The 2024 NFL season is right around the corner and we can't wait to start breaking down all of the contenders and pretenders. In today's post, we'll do a deep dive of the AFC North.
Will the Bengals challenge the Ravens for the division crown now that Joe Burrow is finally healthy once again? Is this the year that Mike Tomlin finally has a losing season in Pittsburgh? Will answer these questions and more below!
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Division Odds: +125 / Season Wins: 10.5
After an outstanding regular season, the Ravens were upended by the Chiefs in the AFC Title Game. It was an abrupt ending to a pretty successful season by Baltimore, but they had to be disappointed nonetheless. Look for John Harbaugh to have this crew ready to roll in 2024.
The offense returns with all of the key pieces back, but they do lose Odell Beckham Jr. However, bringing in former Titans star RB Derrick Henry should more than make up for that. OC Todd Monken should have loads of fun incorporating Henry into an offense that's already stellar.
The defense lost a few solid contributors, as Patrick Queen and Jadaveon Clowney decided to bolt for greener pastures elsewhere. That being said, Balty should once again one of the best linebacking corps with Roqaun Smith and Kyle Van Noy holding things down. The secondary is pretty stout too, especially after spending a first round pick on Nate Wiggins from Clemson.
The Ravens' schedule is brutal, but this offense should continue to put up eye-popping numbers, especially with Henry toting the rock. We'll go over 10.5 wins from Baltimore as our AFC North best bet.
Division Odds: +165 / Season Wins: 10.5
The Bengals were dealt a tough blow last year when Joe Burrow went down in the middle of the season with a wrist injury. The former LSU star should be fully healthy and ready to go by Week 1, so that's good news for this offense. That said, Cincy has got to improve on defense to compete with Baltimore for this division.
Burrow will have two of his favorite targets back this season in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Cincy did lose Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon in the offseason, but 3rd round draft pick Jermain Burton and Zack Moss should be viable replacements. I also like that Cincy brought in TE Mike Gesicki from New England to help Burrow when the pass protection breaks down.
The aforementioned defense should be at least a little bit better with Sheldon Rankins and Geno Stone coming in. Cincy has to improve against the run, as they rank just 30th in yards per rush allowed a season ago.
Division Odds: +550 / Season Wins: 8.5
Cleveland continues to waste one of the best defenses in football by being inept at times on offense. Deshaun Watson was once again hurt for much of the season last year, and his contract continues to be a damper for this organization. Joe Flacco is gone but at least the Browns brought in some insurance in the form of Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley.
The offense shouldn't be as ineffective this season, even if Watson ends up on the shelf. The Jerry Jeudy signing makes sense because he should fit in pretty well with Elijah Moore and Amari Cooper. The main question though, is how healthy will Nick Chubb be after his awful knee injury.
The defense will once again be elite! Myles Garrett continues to be one of the league's best pass rushers and the linebacking corps gets a boost with Devin Bush and Jordan Hicks coming in. Is this the year that the Brownies get it right?
Division Odds: +700 / Season Wins: 8.5
The Steelers made the biggest offseason splashes by bringing in two starting QBs in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Both of those guys are huge upgrades over Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph. I can't wait to see what Pittsburgh's offense looks like with new OC Arthur Smith running the show.
Regardless of who is under center, Smith likes to pound the rock, so look for lots of action for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. The loss of Dionate Johnson definitely hurts the WR corps, but bringing in Van Jefferson from the Falcons and Roman Wilson from the draft will help in that regard.
Pittsburgh is usually known for having a great defense, but that wasn't the case last year. They ranked outside the Top 20 in both yards per rush allowed and yards per pass attempt allowed. I'm predicting a rough year for the folks in the Steel City.