This division sent three teams into the playoffs last year, and it’ll remain a close fight for the title this time around too.
I expect the Cleveland Browns to miss the playoffs again, purely because they’re the Browns. Their defence has some nice pieces on it, but I don’t think it’s enough to get it done.
Joe Haden, Tashaun Gipson and Donte Whitner will lock down the defensive backfield – all notched Pro Bowl nods last season – but their defensive line lacks firepower. Danny Shelton should develop into a good nose tackle, though.
Their offence is even more woeful, as their quarterback struggles continue. Josh McCown is not the answer under centre, and if I was Mike Pettine, I’d get Johnny Football in there ASAP so you can get him acclimated with your offence. He’s clearly the future of this franchise, even if his off-field actions don’t always say so. Josh Gordon’s year-long suspension will hurt them though, and they’ll have to rely on lesser-known talent.
From here, we’ll move onto the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have made the playoffs every season since 2011, and have never made it past the wild card game. They’re the poster child for being good enough to make the playoffs, but not good enough to do anything once they get there.
Like the Browns, they have some young running backs with potential in Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill, but their strength lies in their marquee receiver, AJ Green. Green has made the Pro Bowl every year he’s been in the league and made the All Pro team twice. If he can stay healthy, Cincinnati have one of the best receivers in the league, and they’ll need him to perform if they want to win in January.
The Baltimore Ravens are really one of the underrated teams of the NFL, and continue to sneak up on people both in the regular season and the playoffs. Many seem to forget that it was only three years ago that the Ravens won the Super Bowl, and after defeating the Steelers very soundly in last year’s wild card round, they lost by four points to the eventual Super Bowl champions in the divisional round.
CJ Mosley is a nice young piece on the defence, and made a huge impact in his rookie campaign last season. Notching Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro nods, he is the only linebacker to ever be selected to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season. Mosley joins Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs to make a fearsome linebacker trio which features three of the best players at their position in the league.
Justin Forsett had a breakout year last season at 29 years old as he took over at running back and powered the Ravens into the playoffs. With Lorenzo Taliaferro and Javorius Allen as his backups, the Ravens will look to pound the ground and win the division.
The only opponent standing in their way, however, is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lawrence Timmons had a great year in 2014, earning his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. James Harrison returned to the Steelers last season, and the 37-year-old is one of the best at his position. One can imagine he won’t be happy with just winning the divisional title – we all saw what he thought of his son’s participation trophies.
On offence, the Steelers have one of the best one-two-three punches in the league. The only problem is that, currently, Le’Veon Bell is suspended for the first two games for substance abuse. With such a key player out, someone like DeAngelo Williams will have to step their game up, and with Martavis Bryant suspended too, receivers like Markus Wheaton will have to produce alongside Antonio Brown.
I think the fight for the division title will come down to the dying weeks of the season, and will feature the Steelers and Ravens duelling it out.
Right now, I’d give the Ravens the edge, purely because Bell and Bryant will be suspended when the season begins, and their offence may be slow to get off the ground. You can bet the Ravens will take advantage of every chance they get to build a big lead in the division.
If you want some competitive action, watch the AFC North this season – it won’t disappoint.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
I can't see 7 losses on that BAL schedule. I have them as SB Champs
Jason Pollock
Roar Guru
Wow, some bold predictions - I like it! I think Pittsburgh and Baltimore are too talented to finish with 9-7 records, but I think the Browns will actually improve and may go 8-8 or even 9-7 - if they start Johnny Manzi. Ngata was a big loss for the franchise, and many forget he's one of the few premier DT's in this league. Their defensive backfield is weak and will let them down late in games - Baltimore's defensive talent comes on the d-line (no surprise there). I don't think Andy Dalton can ever develop into the QB many thought he would - he's a good QB, there's no doubt about that, but his inability to perform when it matters in the playoffs restricts him from taking that next step to A.) get the Bengals some postseason success and B.) become one of the top 10, elite QBs in the league.
Bear54
Guest
You're all over this division a lot better than me Jason. Perhaps it's just laziness but I've picked the Bengals (11-5) to take it ahead of Pittsburgh (9-7) and Baltimore (9-7) with the Brownies (6-10) in their usual spot. The Steelers offense will be amazing (after week 4) but their defense is suspect. Lots of turnover and new faces particularly with a new coordinator in Keith Butler. Their defensive backs are untried and given they will be in some shootouts I think they are a worry. Baltimore just seem like they're going backwards. Losing Ngata upfront is going to hurt particularly and Justin Forsett will miss Gary Kubiac and his offensive schemes to the tune of about 500 yards. Suggs, Mosely & Dumerveil will give opposing QB's some sleepless nights but who is in their defensive backfield? I think they're all safeties now???? The Browns should be better than last year but I think it's too early for Manziel to be the starting QB, plus he's not completely healthy yet. They just upgraded their running game (a little) with Robert Turbin from Seattle as well. I'm not confidant in Cincinnati but am a firm believer that the longer you keep a team together the better they get and this group are capable of something special. They just need Andy Dalton to become the leader and dominating presence behind centre similar to Manning, Brady or Brees. If he doesn't do it this year it may never happen and the Bengals should consider replacing him with their backup AJ McCarron.