AFC North predictions

Now, it's time for the AFC North. Last year, this division came down to literally the very last second, but the Steelers prevailed and were the only team from the division to make the playoffs. 3 of the 4 teams in this division enter this year with a new coach. Let's see what happens.

1. Baltimore Ravens (11-6) (3 seed)

2. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-9)

4. Cleveland Browns (4-13)

The Ravens had a year of streaks in 2025. They started out 1-5 and Lamar Jackson was injured. Then he came back and they reeled off 5 straight wins. On the final day of the season, the Ravens needed a win in Pittsburgh to return to the playoffs. But rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed the game winning field goal attempt and the Ravens missed the playoffs for the first time in 5 years. They started the offseason by firing head coach John Harbaugh after 17 years. They signed Trey Hendrickson to a 4-year, $112 million deal, and appeared to have traded for Maxx Crosby, but Crosby failed a physical and the trade was canceled. They hired Jesse Minter to replace Harbaugh. They hired new coordinators. Things are looking up in Baltimore, but can they live up to the hype?

The Bengals were banged up as hell last year and sputtered to a 6-11 record. Even Joe Burrow spent time on the IR for a while. They traded for Dexter Lawrence and signed Jonathan Allen. They restructured Joe Burrow's contract. They did lose Shemar Stewart for a significant amount of time, so that will hurt. But I feel like if they stay healthy, they have a bright future.

The Steelers, after winning the AFC North, got embarrassed on their home turf by the Texans. Head coach Mike Tomlin retired after 19 years (and no losing seasons). The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy to fill Tomlin's shoes. Aaron Rodgers debated retiring as well, but he decided to stay for another year. The Steelers did draft Penn State QB Drew Allar, so it is likely he takes over for Rodgers when he retires. The Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr so Rodgers has someone to throw to. They have a defense that is capable of winning games, especially with TJ Watt. But I just don't believe in Rodgers or McCarthy. So I wouldn't be surprised if this was Pittsburgh's first losing season since 2003.

The Browns were terrible last year, finishing 5-12. But they did have Myles Garrett, who broke the NFL's single season sack record with 23 sacks. So surely the Browns would give him a ton of money, right? Nope. Garrett was traded to the LA Rams for Jared Verse. Yeah, really shocking move. After the season, head coach Kevin Stefanski was fired and replaced with Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. The Browns drafted offensive lineman Spencer Fano and wide receivers KC Conception and Denzel Boston. The question is: will Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders be starting at quarterback? Either way, I don't think Cleveland is in good hands.

I could see this division having multiple playoff teams, but the Ravens are the team in this division that really sticks out to me. I just don't have enough confidence in anyone else.

Next time it's a deep dive into the AFC South. Last year the Jaguars won the division, and the Texans won a playoff game. What will happen this year? We'll see.