The Wonder Year – 2024 AFC North Preview

The best division in the NFL last season comes back with four teams that could very well make a playoff run. History says that won’t happen, but these teams in the North will definitely put a monkey wrench in the rest of the AFC’s plans.

 

Baltimore Ravens

Record in 2023-24: 13-4

Key Player: Roquan Smith – Linebacker

Player To Watch: Nate Wiggins – Cornerback

The Baltimore Ravens had one of the best offenses and defenses in the NFL in 2023. All of that still didn’t add up to a Super Bowl title, or even an appearance for that matter.

League MVP Lamar Jackson returns for another season of dynamic plays both running and passing the ball. He’s got a plethora of targets including tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, not to mention wide receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. He’s also got a loaded backfield with big Derrick Henry coming over from Tennessee and Keaton Mitchell (eventually) coming back in year two as a change of pace back.

The defense is just as stout with linebacker Roquan Smith anchoring one of the best units in the NFL. Kyle Van Noy and Justin Madubuike finished last season last year with a combined 22.0 sacks – they should continue to wreak havoc in opposing backfields. Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey anchor a secondary that has lost Geno Stone. Rookie Nate Wiggins has showed flashes of greatness in preseason and should be a productive starter (when he recovers from injury).

The Ravens should be in the mix for a Super Bowl berth, but can they finally break through? Prediction: 11-6

 

Cincinnati Bengals

Record in 2023-24: 9-8

Key Player: Joe Burrow – Quarterback

Player To Watch: Kris Jenkins Jr. – Defensive Tackle

Even before Joe Burrow got injured last season, the Bengals weren’t much more than an average team. This season, Cincinnati is poised to make a serious run like the 2021 and 2022 version of the Bengals.

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins provide massive weapons in the passing game. The addition of tight end Mike Gesicki and rookie (wide receiver) Jermaine Burton should adequately replace the void left by Tyler Boyd’s departure. They will be hard pressed to replace Joe Mixon in the backfield, but they’re hoping Zack Moss can carry the bulk of the load.

The defense has high hopes for rookie defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr., who came on strong in the preseason. Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson are great bookends and linebacker Logan Wilson makes their front seven very formidable.

The secondary has gotten a massive boost with the acquisition of free safety Geno Stone and the re-acquisition of safety Vonn Bell. The corners on the outside will have a lot to prove.

Burrow is definitely the key to the Bengals success, but how far can that success take them? Prediction: 10-7

 

Cleveland Browns

Record in 2023-24: 11-6

Key Player: Myles Garrett – Defensive End

Player To Watch: Jerry Jeudy – Wide Receiver

Deshaun Watson was off to a 5-1 start before he got injured and went on the shelf. The team was able to win some games down the stretch with Joe Flacco, but ultimately lost in the Wild card game last season.

Flacco is gone, but Watson returns to try and push Cleveland farther then they went in 2023. They’ve added  wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to pair with Amari Cooper to form one of the best duos in the NFL. The team is optimistic that running back Nick Chubb can come back relatively soon. In the meantime, Jerome Ford has proven he can handle the load in the backfield.

What can you say about Myles Garrett that you couldn’t say about a war tank? He’s big, strong and extremely destructive. The reigning Defensive Player of the year anchors a front seven that’s too much to handle for opposing offenses. Denzel Ward, Grant Delpit and the rest of the secondary return to a unit that gave up the least amount of passing  yards in the league last season.

The Browns have all the tools to be a serious contender, but can they get the monkey of their backs. Prediction: 9-8

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Record in 2023-24: 10-7

Key Player: T.J. Watt – Linebacker

Player to Watch:  Jaylen Warren – Running Back

The Steelers snuck into the playoffs last season, despite having what could only be described as an inept offense. They signed Arthur Smith to be their new offensive coordinator, but he’s had his share of offensive problems the last few seasons as a head coach.

They bought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to shore up their quarterback position, but those two are nowhere near a sure thing. They’ve added average players to their wide receiver core to go along with budding star George Pickens. The only thing about their offense that looks to be real productive is their rushing attack. With Najee Harris, upstart Jaylen Warren and veteran Cordarrelle Patterson, the Steelers have a deep and explosive backfield.

All-Pro T.J. Watt is joined by newly acquired Patrick Queen and Alex Highsmith to form what could be the best linebacking unit in the NFL. Minkah Fitzpatrick leads a talented secondary along with second year player Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson. Undrafted rookie free agent cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. should be an integral part of the defense, especially when he gets healthy. Prediction: 8-9