Next up, in the divisional previews, will be the AFC North. The AFC North Boasts 3 returning playoff teams, and the twice removed NFL MVP. Many of the teams have ascending, young talent. However, one team can feel the window closing. Check out the preview below:
2020 Standings:
1. Pittsburgh Steelers, 12-4
2. Baltimore Ravens, 11-5
3. Cleveland Browns, 11-5
4. Cincinnati Bengals, 4-11-1
2021 Outlook:
Pittsburgh Steelers:
The Steelers got off to a screaming start in 2020, only to flame out down the stretch and eventually lose to reclaimed division rival Cleveland Browns. They posted some elite defensive numbers ranking 3rd in both points allowed and yards gained. However, offensively they were very limited behind Big Ben’s arm that has appeared to have lost most of its ability to stretch the field. Their final offensive rankings were 12th in points for and 24th in yards. They lost several pieces: Alejandro Villanueva to division rival Ravens, Maurkice Pouncey to retirement, and David Decastro was release/retired(pending). They also neglected to address the offensive line need via draft, and only signed Trai Turner to supplement the losses. They must have additional faith in some in-house options, but I remain skeptical. Najee Harris is primed for a huge workload and could push for league wide ROY. The defense, with TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick all returning should be a top unit again. However, I believe their offensive, specifically Ben’s ability to throw the ball to their numerous talented receivers, will limit their ceiling in a now very talented AFC North.
Baltimore Ravens:
John Harbaugh’s talented squad took a small step back in 2020, while still remaining a competitive playoff team. A stout unit on defense, they finished a dominant 2nd scoring defense and 7th in yards. They remained dominant moving the ball on the ground but struggled through the air, posting rankings 19th overall in yardage and 7th in scoring. Orlando Brown Jr. had grown displeased with his position in the organization and they jettisoned him for essentially a first round pick from Kansas City. They used their capital to stack the receiver group with Rashod Bateman, to pair with incumbent Hollywood Brown and Mark Andrews, along with new addition Sammy Watkins. Odafe Oweh out of Penn State was a high upside, project player to develop along their EDGE room as well. As previously mentioned, Villanueva helps offset the loss of Orlando Brown Jr. Defensively, they lost Matthew Judon but still look to return most of the same group from 2020. As long as Lamar continues to dominant the league with his unique skillset, the Ravens will be a playoff team. With his new weapons, he is even more dangerous.
Cleveland Browns:
Don’t look now, but Cleveland could be one of the most dangerous teams in the league. After hitting the ground running in Stefanski’s first year (literally), and finishing 14th in scoring offense and 16th in yards. Defensively there’s room for improvement, but the unit as a whole still finished respectively at 17th in yards and 21st in scoring. Many experts have touted the Brown’s offseason as one of the best in the league, and its hard to argue against it. They added talent at all levels, mainly on defense. They signed Jadaveon Clowney to pair opposite of Myles Garrett. Rounding out the box defenders, they draft the versatile Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and signed Michael Walker. They also added DB’s like Troy Hill, John Johnson, and Greg Newsome. Offensively they retained essentially the same team, plus Odell Beckham Jr. from injury. If OBJ returns to form they will look to be at or near the top of all statistical categories. After leaving the cellar in 2020, Cleveland has now reloaded and shown they will be a force to be reckoned with in 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals:
The Bengals have been flailing for the last half decade and 2020 was no exception. The Bengals offense ranked 29th both points scored and yards gained, while the defense came in 22nd in points against and 26th in yards allowed. Both sides of the ball have struggled, and 2021 will be a pivotal year for third year Head Coach Zac Taylor. Joe Burrow went down with a gruesome knee injury last year after having an above average rookie season. With the promise he has showed, Bengals made it a priority to build the offense further around him. They signed Riley Reiff, with Jonah Williams returning to health, and drafting Jackson Carman the team believes this will be enough to keep Burrow upright. Mixon will be the lead dog in the backfield after franchise mainstay, Gio Bernard, took his talents to Tampa. The main upgrade is at the receiver position, where they drafted Burrow’s favorite collegiate target Jamar Chase. Chase has been the prize receiver prospect the last few years and Zac Taylor and co. will pair him with his former QB. Defensively, the Bengals lost significant pieces and tried to replace them with some marquee free agents. Edge Carl Lawson left for New York, while CB William Jackson joined the Washington Football Team. They replace both with EDGE Trey Hendrickson, and CB Chidobee Awuzie. Additionally, in the secondary they added Mike Hilton, to round out the DB Room. Overall, a healthy Burrow and several weapons around him taking leaps can propel this offense forward. Defensively they will need to be at least middling to see improvement in 2021, even if it will not be much. Hopefully that will inspire enough confidence in ownership to keep Taylor around for 2022.
Standings/Record Prediction:
1. Baltimore Ravens, 12-5
2. Cleveland Browns, 11-6
3. Cincinnati Bengals, 8-9
4. Pittsburgh Steelers, 4-13
With the AFC North being one of the toughest divisions in football, we get a classic case of division foes beating up other division foes. You can flip a coin on who wins the series between Cleveland/Baltimore but we went with the Ravens. Lamar Jackson returns to being an MVP threat, and is rejuvenated with new weapons around him, Cleveland is stacked as a wild card team, Bengals show a leap of improvement, and the Pittsburgh Steelers fall flat as the AFC North will boast two playoff teams.
AFC North Awards:
MVP/Offensive Player of the year: Lamar Jackson
Defensive Player of the Year: Marlon Humphrey
Offensive Rookie of the year: Najee Harris
Defensive Rookie of the year: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Comeback Player of the year: Joe Burrow
If the Ravens win the division, there is no doubt in my mind it is due to Lamar’s play. That gives him the edge here for MVP of the division. Defensive player of the year is tough, but I went with emerging shutdown corner Marlon Humphrey. He’s considered an ascending player and makes his mark this year. Pittsburgh is going to be down this year, but it will not be due to lack of Harris touches. He will hit the ground running, literally, and should push to break the rookie rushing record. Defensive Rookie is tough, due to the emphasis on offense in this division during the draft. However, I think second round steal JOK is primed to have a role on the Cleveland defense. I worry about their abundance of depth at CB to name Greg Newsome here, and same for the project player Odafe Oweh. With all the weapons in Cincinnati, they look to be poised to roll the dice on Joe Burrow slinging it around the yard. He’s a good bet to win, not only for the division, but the comeback player of the league.
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