Going into the 2022 NFL season, a lot of fanbases are hopeful their team can come out on top. This includes the top dogs with teams such as the Bills, Buccaneers, Chiefs, and defending Rams. With all the optimism, often times it deflects away from the pessimism, and fans don’t want to see flaws in their teams. Looking around the internet, everyone loves to be optimistic talking about why a team can win the Super Bowl. For example, seen here with an article on why the Bills can win the Super Bowl. Pointing out shortcomings is apart of sports, after all, only one team wins the championship each season. Split into six divisional parts (AFC North in this edition), I will shortly debrief each team in that division.
Here’s why I don’t think any of the four teams in the AFC North will be the last ones standing:
AFC North:
Cincinnati Bengals:
The darlings of the 2021-2022 NFL season, the Cincinnati Bengals went on a historic run to make the Super Bowl. A very good and young core, many can look at the Bengals last season and say they caught lightning in a bottle. The defending AFC champions are tied for 10th in the preseason Super Bowl odds. A magical run in 2022 didn’t come without luck. Rookie kicker Evan McPherson could close his eyes in the playoffs and still make every kick, a model that isn’t always sustainable. The Bengals also benefitted from an absolutely awful game by Ryan Tannehill in the divisional round, followed by an epic 21-3 collapse by the Chiefs at home in the AFC championship game.
After being sacked seven times by the Rams in the Super Bowl, the Bengals addressed their offensive line issues in the offseason. Again, as mentioned in the intro, optimism is easy. Cory Osborne of Gridiron Heroics also writes how Joe Burrow is locked and loaded for the upcoming season.
Bottom Line:
An unexpected worst to first and super bowl appearance jump, let’s pump the breaks on the Cincinnati Bengals. Everything had to go their way last season, and almost everything went exactly their way.
Odds going into season: (Via Fanduel Sportsbook)
SB: +2100
AFC: +1200
AFC North: +180
Win Total: O 9.5 (-130) / U 9.5 (+110)
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Baltimore Ravens:
In addition to having the most surprising team in all of football last season, the AFC North also featured one of the most disappointing teams.
All the early signs last season were pointing to a promising season for the Baltimore Ravens. An eventual 8-4 record before quarterback Lamar Jackson played his last full game of the season, what could’ve been for the 2021-2022 Baltimore Ravens. Sitting at 8-4, the were competitive in four of their final five games, but ended up dropping all five, finishing with an 8-9 record.
A Ravens defense that led the NFL in fewest rushing yards per game, should once again be a tough group to run on. The secondary has big expectations, as sharp football analysis ranked them as high as fifth on their board. The defensive side of the football shouldn’t be the problem for this team.
Lamar show:
As dynamic as Lamar Jackson is, he can’t do it alone. The Ravens will enter the 2022 NFL season with a young unproven wide receiver core of: Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay and James Proche II. Doesn’t look too exciting, but team websites again are trying to generate that optimism. The guys look great, Lamar is clicking with them, this offense can take a big step forward. Things we constantly hear at training camp time before each season. Young and unproven isn’t a great recipe for a defense that is super bowl ready. Lamar Jacksons favorite target Mark Andrews returns and as always, will be a reliable security blanket for him.
Bottom Line:
Good defense, wait and see offense. Lamar will have to prove he can be on target with his young receiving core. Running is great, but improving that passing dimension opens up the entire offense. Health will play a major factor for a Ravens organization who always seems to have someone go down in a critical spot.
Odds going into season: (Via Fanduel Sportsbook)
SB: +2000
AFC: +1000
AFC North: +160
Win Total: O 10.5 (+100) / U 10.5 (-120)
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Pittsburgh Steelers:
After debating whether Mitch Trubisky or Mason Rudolph will be the starting quarterback week one, the Steelers super bowl conversation probably ends there. First round rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett could (and really should) see playing time this season. It’s a shame the Steelers have this mess at quarterback, because they really nice offensive weapons. Receivers Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson should continue their ascension as one of the best receiving duos in the NFL. Second year tight end Pat Freiermuth coming off a 60 catch-seven touchdown rookie season, will need to replicate that and more. Najee Harris who finished fourth in scrimmage yards last season during his rookie year, needs to be just as great and durable this season. Najee also played all 17 games last season, a luxury you unfortunately can never bank on in sports.
For a team that has had Ben Roethlisberger behind center the last 15+ years, this will be a transition. In 2019 when Roethlisberger only played two games (going 0-2), the Steelers had a combination of Mason Rudolph (5-3), and Devlin Hodges (3-3). Somehow finishing that season 8-8, Mike Tomlin is the kind of coach that can get the best and most out of his team.
The defense should be stellar behind 2021 defensive player of the year T.J. Watt. Also including Cameron Heyward, Devin Bush, Myles Jack, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, this group should be one of the best in the league.
Bottom Line:
The uncertainty and lack of options at quarterback is what hurts the Steelers super bowl window this season. They can have a nice season and maybe even make the playoffs, but their limitations at the sports biggest position will catch up to them. As we have started to see the last few years, great quarterback play is required in order to really compete, the Steelers can’t match that. Most likely will finish in one of the bottom two spots in the AFC North, with the potential upside of winning the division if things fall their way.
Odds going into season:
SB: +7000
AFC: +3700
AFC North: +950
Win Total: O 7.5 (-105) / U 7.5 (-115)
Cleveland Browns:
The length of Deshaun Watsons suspension will play big factor into what this team could become. Watson was handed a six game sentence before Roger Goodell and the NFL appealed. Clevelands roster is filled with talent and even with Deshuan shelved, they can hold it together. With the addition of a seventh playoff team in each conference, the Browns should be able to compete for a playoff spot. As solid as Jacoby Brissett is, this team needs Deshuan in order to seriously compete. Even if the suspension is six games, it would be asking a lot for a quarterback in a new offense to lead his team to the promise land.
Bottom Line:
With all the noise going on around the situation and the ongoing scrutiny that will occur all season, this season mentally won’t be easy for the Cleveland Browns. Led by Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, the Browns should once again have a tough defensive group. It will be a team that relies heavily on their 1-2 rushing duo of Nick Chubb & Kareem Hunt in the absence of Watson and beyond. The Browns could be serious super bowl contenders for years to come, it’s just unlikely to have that expectation going into the 2022-2023 season.
Odds going into season:
SB: +2400
AFC: +1400
AFC North: +300
Win Total: O 8.5 (+100)/ U 8.5 (-120)
