A capsule look at the AFC North heading into the 2024 season, with teams listed in predicted order of finish.
Baltimore Ravens
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 10-1, Over/under wins: 10.5
Strengths: The reigning league MVP and one of the best defenses in the league is a pretty nice place to start. Baltimore’s collection of pass catchers is probably a little underrated as a group, and the Ravens added Derrick Henry at running back.
Weaknesses: There are key departures all over the defense, including on the coaching staff. The offensive line might be a little weaker. And Lamar Jackson will still have to listen to the “hasn’t done it in the playoffs” critics until he changes that story.
Cincinnati Bengals
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 15-1, Over/under wins: 10.5
Strengths: A healthy Joe Burrow and a happy Ja’Marr Chase, who was a training camp holdout because of a contract dispute, should make the Bengals great on offense. The secondary was overhauled in the offseason after a disappointing year.
Weaknesses: Was it all just two Burrow injuries and ensuing poor vibes last year, or is this team just not as good as it was a couple of years ago? The offensive line is still a question mark, and Tee Higgins needs to bounce back after a rough year, or the skill guys after Chase aren’t going to scare anyone.
Pittsburgh Steelers
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 50-1, Over/under wins: 8.5
Strengths: Matt Canada is no longer calling the offensive plays. The defense has been rebuilt around three core future Hall of Famers (T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cameron Heyward) and could be quite stingy again. Kenny Pickett wasn’t the long-term answer at quarterback, and the Steelers are more likely to find their next franchise guy in the future without Pickett around.
Weaknesses: Riding with Russell Wilson will probably lead them right back to the middle of the league where they’ve been stuck for a few seasons, but he’s a seat-warmer at this point. The receiver corps looks thin, but trading for a disgruntled wide receiver would give Pittsburgh a formidable 1-2 punch with George Pickens.
Cleveland Browns
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 35-1, Over/under wins: 8.5
Strengths: An AFC North team with an outstanding defense, great offensive line and Joe Flacco at quarterback made the playoffs last year, but it was the Browns this time. If Nick Chubb returns well from a major injury, the offense around the quarterback could be even better.
Weaknesses: The trade for DeShaun Watson and subsequent contract looks like one of the worst sets of decisions, on and off the field, in NFL history. There is still time for Watson to be a good football player again. The Browns and the Jets look like similar teams with a high ceiling if the QB play improves.
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