Last year in the AFC North, we saw the re-emergence of the Cleveland Browns, the on-and-off field drama from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Baltimore Ravens winning the division. 

I speculate this year to be quite different the way the division is shaping up. Here is what I’m predicting what’s going to happen in the AFC North this year. 

DISCLAIMER: these predictions are based off of opinions and facts. Fans with their opinions or takes are welcome. 

Baltimore Ravens 

Going to his second year under center is former Heisman-Trophy winning quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson  has had steady success for the Ravens offense, but can he improve himself to take over a game when the team needs it? 

Jackson has some unique highlights to keeping the game close (for example at Kansas City), but I would like to see more. 

As for the defense, the team will get veteran leadership with the free agent signing of  safety Earl Thomas. However, I feel the defense is getting older than it should be getting younger. 

Cornerback Marlon Humphrey and Linebacker Tim Williams will need to step in and provide some help the Ravens defense in key situations. 

Even after losing linebacker C.J. Mosley to the Jets, I feel the defense will still have a high motor, but I am significantly worried about the age there. 

Cleveland Browns 

Once one of the league’s laughingstocks has turned into the one of the biggest storylines, and for good reason. 

By stocking up and hitting on draft picks such as quarterback Baker Mayfield, running back Nick Chubb, defensive end Myles Garrett, and cornerback Denzel Ward, they are turning into a formidable, solid division-contending team. 

But my biggest concern for them is in two areas: coaching and the egos on the team. Bringing back Freddie Hitchens as a head coach was a good move, but he’s coming to his first full season. They also traded for wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., a subject to most of the drama that occurred in New York. 

I’m hoping the Browns can coexist on all sides because if drama ensues on one side, I can bet the rest could follow suit. 

I tip my cap to you Browns, now let’s be hopeful we can keep seeing play that way. 

Cincinnati Bengals 

Let’s say for the Bengals, they’re in Cleveland’s shoes based on where the team is now. 

The main upgrade for Cincinnati was firing Marvin Lewis, and hiring Zac Taylor as head coach.  Yet, the Bengals are likely going to struggle especially how strong the division is. 

Other than extending wide receiver Tyler Boyd, the offense is likely going to remain stagnant in the overall standings. Especially after the injury to rookie offensive tackle Jonah Williams.

The defense should be okay. However, I will have to see if Lou Anarumo is cut out for the coordinator job. 

It could be a long season for the Bengals, it’s just the matter if improvements are made for the team’s sake or not. 

Pittsburgh Steelers 

The Steelers still have a solid team after cutting out the drama caused by Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, but I think this offense could regress this season. 

Yes, they still have quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, and a top ten offensive line, but I have a funny feeling it’s going to regress in production and efficiency due to age and play on the field. 

As for the defense, they have gotten better based on young talent. Such as defensive  end/linebacker T.J. Watt and rookie linebacker Devin Bush, this defense could quietly go up in rankings in many overall defensive categories. 

I’ll be keeping an eye on Pittsburgh this season to see what happens with everyone there. They look to contend for the division, but with Cleveland and Baltimore competing at the same time too, Pittsburgh’s main upside could be either the first or second wild card spots. 

Season Record Projections:

1) Baltimore Ravens 10-6*

2) Cleveland Browns 10-6* 

3) Pittsburgh Steelers 7-9

4) Cincinnati Bengals 4-12 

It will be a battle within the division all this upcoming season. However, the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns will finish in a tie at the same record, but the Ravens will win the division based on divisional wins. Both teams mentioned will make the playoffs as well. 

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