AFC North Expectations
- Arjun Peroor
- Jul 30, 2024
- 3 min read
We now move to the last and most competitive division in the AFC, the AFC North:
Baltimore Ravens
I believe the Ravens will be out for revenge this year, especially after the devastating defeat they suffered vs the Chiefs in the AFC Championship. They know that they blew a golden opportunity of going to the Super Bowl, especially in a year when the Chiefs, offensively, didn't look all that explosive. If someone had told the Ravens that the Chiefs would only score 17 points in the AFC championship, they'd take that any day of the week. But the fact that they didn't win that game is something they can use as fuel for this upcoming season. With the addition of Derrick Henry, teams will have a tough time game-planning for arguably the best runner in the league paired with the most dynamic QB when it comes to using his legs because this is something that defenses have rarely faced. I expect them to get the top seed in the AFC and be a part of the final 4 again.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals will be getting Joe Burrow Back and whenever healthy, the Bengals seem to be in the AFC Championship. I am not sure this will be the case this season in terms of being in the championship games because I think the Chiefs and Ravens have a more compelling case this year but who knows? With a healthy Burrow, you can never count out the Bengals. First, we will have to monitor how quickly Burrow can settle into this next season because he is coming back from a broken thumb injury to his throwing hand. I expect him to be fine after 1 or 2 games but they won't be good enough to win the division. However, I wouldn't be surprised if this team goes deep in the postseason again.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The whole year depends on if Russ is still good enough to be a starter in the league. If he is, they will finish 3rd in the division and maybe have a chance for that final wildcard spot. If he isn't they can be looking at a QB carousel between him and Justin Fields and usually, teams who have to deal with that throughout the season usually don't end up having very successful seasons. I expect Russ to have a solid year and remain the starter for this year as I believe Mike Tomlin will get the best out of him and as a result, they should finish 3rd in the North this year. Playoffs will be dependent on whether Russ can turn back the clock in key moments and deliver in big moments.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns have a good roster on paper. Their defense is awesome and their offense got a new dynamic playmaker in Jerry Jeudy. However, I have not seen Deshaun Watson play good football since the 2020 season and coming off a season where he fractured his shoulder, I don't see his play improving and that is the sole reason I have the Browns last in the division. The defense is very good but in this division, it isn't enough to have a good defense. You must put up points and I just don't think they are capable of that at this moment because of their QB.
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