AFC North Preview

 


We're approaching the 2024 NFL Season, so it's time to dig in and preview the action. Over a series of posts the next two months I'll be previewing the league, division by division. Teams will appear in order of finish from 2023 and I'll include my 2024 prediction. Today, it's the AFC North!

Baltimore Ravens
2023 Finish: 13-4, First Place
About: The Ravens were the NFL's best team in 2023, at least during the regular season. That didn't translate to the playoffs, where the Ravens lost a heart-breaking battle to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. The team added Derrick Henry, to give a boost to the rushing game, but they are relying heavily on Rashod Bateman to step up in year four in order for the passing game to thrive. We'll see how it goes.
Prediction: I still like the Ravens. I think they'll be in the mix for the playoffs again.

Cleveland Browns
2023 Finish: 11-6, Second Place
About: Despite getting only six games from Deshaun Watson, the Browns won 11 games and finished second in the division, earning a playoff slot. A lot of that came from Joe Flacco and his hot stretch to finish the season alongside the stout defense. The Browns lost in the Wild Card game, but it was a great season. The Browns are hoping Watson can, finally, play a full season in 2024. They added Jerry Jeudy to punch up the passing game, and that good defense remains present. Can the Browns take things a step further.
Prediction: I think all four teams in the AFC North will be above .500 in 2024. I also think the Browns will face tougher competition and fall just short of the post-season.

Pittsburgh Steelers
2023 Finish: 10-7, Third Place
About: The Steelers have yet to finish below .500 in Mike Tomlin's tenure, and that was true in 2023, too. But it wasn't easy. This off-season, the team brought in Arthur Smith to run the offense, and brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to compete at quarterback. The team still has two good running backs, but the pass catchers are thin behind George Pickens. The Steelers still have a good defense and figure to be a power running team again.
Prediction: I think they get to nine wins and keep Tomlin's streak in tact, but I suspect they miss the playoffs.

Cincinnati Bengals
2023 Finish: 9-8, Fourth Place
About: The 2023 campaign was a nightmare for the Bengals, as Joe Burrow started sluggishly due to a leg injury and saw his season come crashing down due to a wrist injury. The team lost Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon over the off-season, but Ja'Marr Chase is still there, as is Tee Higgins for now. With Zack Moss and Chase Brown, they have some backfield weapons. A lot of it depends on if Burrow is back healthy in 2024.
Prediction: I believe in Joe Cool, and I think the Bengals go from worst to first in the AFC North.

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