(Photo: Clutchpoints)
1. Baltimore Ravens: At one point last year, I thought they were the best team in football. They could overpower you at the Line of Scrimmage on both sides of the ball, the defense was one of the best in the league, but most importantly, Lamar Jackson was healthy. After signing his contract extension in April last year, the distractions were out of the way and he was able to focus solely on football. The Ravens won the AFC North for the first time since 2019 and Lamar was named league MVP for the second time in his career. They also won 13 games and clinched the top seed in the AFC Playoffs for the second time in franchise history. During this off-season, they added a veteran presence to the offense. Former Titans Running Back Derrick Henry agreed to a two-year deal in Baltimore. A former Offensive Player of the Year and a two-time MVP will be something to watch this year. They will be one of the leaders in rushing once again and I expect Derrick to take some pressure off Lamar. Although they lost Patrick Queen and Mike Macdonald, their defense will still be one of the best in the league.
2. Cleveland Browns: I was impressed with them a year ago and I know the Coach of the Year award was a close one between Kevin Stefanski and DeMeco Ryans. The right guy won it and I will explain why. The Browns started five different Quarterbacks and were down three Offensive Linemen, yet they still won 11 games and made the playoffs. Don’t forget they were also without Nick Chubb who suffered a season-ending knee injury. This off-season, Cleveland acquired Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos which was a nice weapon to give Deshaun Watson. The Browns will go as far as Deshaun’s health will take them. If he can stay healthy, they will be a tough out for their opponents in 2024. In 2023, the Browns also had one of the best defenses anchored by Myles Garrett who won his first Defensive Player of the Year award. This could be an entertaining offense with Watson, Chubb, Cooper, Jeudy, and David Njoku. I hope the Quarterback can stay on the field.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers: Another year and Mike Tomlin clinched yet another winning season. Since becoming the Head Coach of the Steelers, he’s never had a losing season even when they would miss the playoffs. The issue in Pittsburgh last year was their offense and they fired Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada. Kenny Pickett wasn’t necessarily the best, but he wasn’t used correctly either. Since Ben Roethlisberger retired, consistency at Quarterback has been an issue for the Steelers. This year, Russell Wilson will be Quarterbacking the black and yellow. I need to see the Steelers get back to the basics and that’s running the ball. That’s Steeler football. Defensively, I expect T.J. Watt to play like a madman in 2024 after finishing runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. A change of scenery I feel will do Russ very well.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: They were an interesting team in 2023. First, they started 1-3 and the panic meter was coming out. I remember saying those first four games were Joe Burrow’s preseason because he was sidelined for the rest of camp with a calf injury. Once the Bengals got it together, they were rolling and had won four in a row. What changed their entire season was a Thursday night in Baltimore when Joe hurt his wrist and was out the remainder of the year with a torn ligament. If he didn’t get hurt, the Bengals were primed to go on another run and Burrow was finding his rhythm. The Bengals did finish with a winning record, but in last place in the AFC North and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Joe got paid days before the season started, now will Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins also get their money?
2024 Predictions
1. Bengals (12-5)
2. Ravens (11-6)
3. Steelers (10-7)
4. Browns (8-9)
The AFC North was a dogfight last year and three teams made it to the playoffs from the division. I’m expecting this to be another close division race and in the off-season, I said this will be a group of teams to watch. Russell, Derrick, Jerry Jeudy, the league MVP (Lamar), and a healthy Burrow. I’m picking the Bengals to win their third AFC North division title in the last four seasons. A healthy number nine will be all the difference for them and they’re a much different team with him on the field compared to when they aren’t. Burrow and Chase are one of the best duos in the league and they make this offense go when they’re both clicking and locked in. I’d like to see the Bengals attempt to run the ball a little bit more which would provide more balance to their offense. I’ll be watching this Offensive Line as that’s been the issue since Joe came into the league. They did lose a few key pieces on defense, but if they want to make noise in the AFC, they have to play defense how they did in 2022.
