AFC North Preview
The Bengals and the Steelers have shared the division for the last four years with two titles apiece and the Browns have not won the division since the formation of its current format in 2002. It was a poor year for the division last year with the Bengals and the Ravens practically handing the Steelers the division. They play the AFC South and NFC North this year which should provide plenty of favorable match ups. I expect this to be a more powerful division again this year.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Last year 11-5
This year 12-4
The Steelers are stacked on offense. They have arguably the best RB/WR duo in the league, a top 5 offensive line, a top 10 quarterback and a whole host of receiving options. Certainly, on paper, the Steelers look to have potentially the best offense in football. This however, relies on Roethlisberger staying healthy, Bryant staying out of trouble and Bell staying healthy AND out of trouble. The Steelers defense was top 12 in most categories last year but struggled with rushing the quarterback at times. They’ve added T.J. Watt in the draft to help, but their roster remains very like last year. IF this roster stays at full strength, they’ll certainly be SuperBowl contenders.
Cincinnati Bengals
Last year 6-9-1
This year 9-7
The Bengals didn’t show up last season and failed to live up to many people’s expectations. Their run game was non-existent, Tyler Eifert and A.J. Green missed significant time and their O line was bang average. It’s emerged that Jeremy Hill’s lack of production was caused by an undisclosed shoulder injury, Gio Bernard has returned from injury and the Bengals have drafted Joe Mixon who had first round talent but fell to the second round due to off field issues.
The run game should see some rejuvenation even if the Bengals are predicted to have one of the worst O lines in the league. Speedster John Ross has been drafted to start opposite A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert will be back to create red zone mismatches. The defense looks set to hold its own again, especially if the O can limit its time on the field. The Bengals will take strides from last year but won’t come close to challenging Pittsburgh for the division.
Baltimore Ravens
Last year 8-8
This year 8-8
The Ravens have a reputation of having a nasty, hard-hitting defense and have made off season moves to ensure they maintain that reputation. They addressed the defense with their first 4 draft picks in April and have picked up veterans Brandon Carr and Tony Jefferson. The Ravens defense will push to be a top 5 unit but it’s the other side of the ball that may fail them.
They have more than their fair share of adversity this offseason with injuries and suspensions dominating the headlines. Pitta (TE), Gillmore (TE), Young (CB) and Lewis (LG) were all projected starters and have all been ruled out for the season with injuries. Urschel (C) and Smith (WR) have retired, Waller (TE) has been suspended for the season, Dixon (RB) was suspended for 4 games but has since suffered a season ending injury and perhaps, most importantly, Flacco (QB) is touch and go whether he’ll start in week 1. They have acquired Danny Woodhead and Jeremy Maclin as offensive weapons, but I don’t think it’ll be enough for Baltimore to compete for the division.
Cleveland Browns
Last season 1-15
This season 4-12
It looked like the Browns would go 0-16 last year, but they managed a win against the Chargers which could have put their first overall pick into jeopardy. However, they were able to get Myles Garrett the 1st overall pick. In addition, they got Jabrill Peppers with the 25th overall pick and David Njoku with the 29th overall pick. They capitalized in the 2nd round by snagging Notre Dame QB, DeShone Kizer with the 52nd overall pick. An impressive 2 round overhaul which should see the Browns improve on their solitary win last year.
They should have a top 5 offensive line this year so look for Isaiah Crowell to have a big season. The starting QB is still unclear as rookie DeShone Kizer looks to compete with Brock Osweiler. Whoever wins the job will be throwing to Corey Coleman, Kenny Britt and David Njoku. This could leave a lot to be desired. Cleveland still have a long way to go, but they’ve certainly made strides this off season.
By David Davenport