AFC North Preview

 


We’ve made it to August, which means the NFL Season is just around the corner! Over the course of the month, I’ll be previewing each of the division races, looking at the teams in order of finish from 2025. Below, we continue with the AFC North. Let’s dive in!

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
About: The Steelers won the AFC North and made the playoffs with Aaron Rodgers in 2025. But it wasn't their greatest performance. The division was a slog, and while the Steelers outlasted the rest their playoff run was short-lived. That led to Mike Tomlin stepping down, being replaced by Mike McCarthy. The Steelers pumped up the offense this off-season, adding Michael Pittman in trade and drafting Germie Bernard. They also added Rico Dowdle to the backfield, and brought back Rodgers. Will it be enough to make the playoffs again? How about just having a more exciting offense? It's possible, but hardly a lock.
Prediction: I think the Steelers are in the mix in the AFC North but fall short of the playoffs.

Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
About: Another tough season and a collapse at the end knocked the Ravens from the playoffs. It also led to John Harbaugh leaving the team. Now, it's up to new Head Coach Jesse Minter trying to re-build the team. They added Trey Hendrickson and seem to have focused on some better defense. Can an aging offense built around Derrick Henry, Mark Andrews, and Zay Flowers be enough to get back into the playoffs with Lamar Jackson? It's possible. This should be a tight division all season, but I'm not wild about the Ravens' offense.
Prediction: The Ravens are in the mix and could end up a Wild Card team.

Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
About: I wish I knew how to quit the Bengals. For the past few seasons I've been impressed with the talent, but seen the team struggle on the field and with injuries. Still, I think this is the most talented team in the division and they could make a move. Losing Hendrickson is a blow, but the defense added some pieces. It's all about Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, and Chase Brown as the offense carries the day, if it can.
Prediction: I think a healthy Bengals team is in the mix and ends up winning the AFC North.

Cleveland Browns (5-12)
About: The Browns struggled in 2025. That led to Kevin Stefanski getting the boot, as now Todd Monken tries to right the ship. But the Browns still have issues. Myles Garrett was traded to the Rams. And while Jared Verse is a good, young prospect, he's not Garrett. The defense also lost Jim Schwartz, which could lead to losing some of its edge. On offense, the team added rookies K.C. Concepcion and Denzel Boston to bolster the receiver group, which pairs with Jerry Jeudy, running backs Dylan Sampson and Quinshon Judkins, and tight end Harold Fannin, Jr. It's an impressive core group, but the quarterback battle of an aging Deshaun Watson and an underwhelming Shedeur Sanders will detemine a lot.
Prediction: The five wins from 2025 is the ceiling for this Browns' team.

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