The AFC North top to bottom will be the toughest and most competitive division outright. The Bengals could repeat as division champs. The Ravens could snatch it out of their hands with an upgraded receiving room. The Steelers either finish last or find their way into the playoffs. The Browns are either a threat in the division and beyond, a middling team battling for a playoff spot, or an overrated team missing the playoffs again despite “investing” into Deshaun Watson.

AFC NORTH

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Do the Bengals have another Super Bowl run in them? When they finally go out and add a vital piece like Orlando Brown Jr. (protector of Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes) to be his blind side, it’s possible. The rest of the line must follow Brown to be the most improved offensive line in the NFL. Otherwise, the only concern from Cincinnati is the safety position after losing both Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell. Outside of their division, their non-AFC North schedule will be challenging. The NFC West, the Bills, the Jags, the Titans, the Vikings, and the Chiefs will have at Burrow and company.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Pittsburgh’s putting together a roster of the future led by Kenny Pickett, T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Has anyone ever imagined a Joey Porter (Jr.) returning to the Steelers’ roster? Is Dino Tomlin next? (Mike’s son playing at Boston College). They added guard Isaac Seumalo from Philadelphia to shore up the offensive line that’s been questionable for a while. Defense will be the unanimous strength along with a potential receiving duo in Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren will be duo backs who could catch too. Pittsburgh not only must protect Mike Tomlin’s win record streak, but they must also try making the playoffs. Their entire schedule’s either winnable or 50/50 with their roster. It all depends on how quickly the young offense coincides with each other. Most importantly, every key player must stay healthy throughout.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

The Ravens season was cut short due to Lamar Jackson’s injury, but now he’s back and healthy with a hefty paycheck. He also has new toys to throw to in Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers. With those additions, the Ravens should be ready to rock, right? They have the pieces altogether for a Super Bowl run with Lamar. Offense and defense seem legit to compete with just about anyone on the schedule. However, the roster was injury prone for the past few seasons, especially Lamar Jackson, Odell Beckham Jr., the running back position, and the defensive back position. Ever since Orlando Brown Jr. left for Kansas City, Lamar suffered injuries the last two seasons that led to the Ravens missing the playoffs in 2021 and barely making the 2022 playoffs. Ronnie Stanley was paid as a result of Brown’s departure, but failed to stay healthy and caused a domino effect to his quarterback. If they can’t stay healthy, it’s hard to see them as a playoff team when the Browns and Steelers upgraded their roster.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

The Browns have all of their pieces to make some noise in the NFL. Deshaun Watson went through a full offseason with Cleveland and should coincide with them. Nick Chubb, Amari Cooper, David Njoku, offensive line Joel Bitonio and company, Myles Garrett, newly acquired Za’Darius Smith, and Denzel Ward should all be ready for the run of their football lives. However, Cleveland must contend with the NFC West, Titans, Broncos, Jags, and Jets, along with the AFC North. Like the NFC North, the division is up for grabs because of Joe Burrow’s injuries, Pittsburgh’s youth, and Baltimore’s injury issues. The Browns should have the advantage, but it’s Cleveland that we’re talking about. Also, their starting defense may have minor injuries that could become a concern once the season gets under way.