The AFC North is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. It features three teams who made the postseason last year and one that is inching closer to the playoffs. In today’s NFL preview, we look at the AFC North and who could finish first. I’ll also discuss players to watch from each team and potential break-out stars this season. We start in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are hoping to win back-to-back division titles.
Is Pittsburgh Pushing Their Luck to Win AFC North?
The biggest question for the Steelers is at quarterback. Ben Roethlisberger is entering his 18th season under center and is looking for a rebound season. Fun fact; he’s started all 16 games in just four seasons as a starter for the Steelers. At age 39, I’m willing to bet he misses some games in 2021 as well.
There’s a lot to like about the rest of the Steelers. Their defense is loaded with talent and is one of the best in the NFL. I love Pittsburgh’s playmakers on offense, including JuJu Smith-Schuster and Canadian Chase Claypool. Even Najee Harris, their first-round running back from the University of Alabama, looks like an absolute baller.
However, the guy I’m most excited to see is linebacker Devin Bush. After becoming the only Steelers rookie to eclipse 100 tackles, Bush missed the final 11 games after tearing his ACL last season. This season, he is set to take back his left inside linebacker spot, and have another 100 tackles. He is someone I’m interested in watching as he is going to play a big part in Pittsburgh’s success this season.
Ravens Running Into Tough Opponents
Baltimore is a fascinating team. There is a lot to like about the Ravens. They added Kevin Zeitler, Alejandro Villaneuva, and Sammy Watkins in the offseason. However, losing Orlando Brown Jr., Matthew Judon, and Yannick Ngakoue will hurt. Moreover, the Brown trade will sting considering they sent him to the best team in their conference.
The key to a successful season for the Ravens is their offense. They need more production from the wide receivers, and that’s why they brought in Watkins and Rashod Bateman in the offseason. In addition, taking Tylan Wallace from Oklahoma State in the draft could be a great selection if he makes the most of his opportunity. Hopefully, Baltimore is going to be the right fit for him.
A player to watch on the Ravens is J.K. Dobbins. He is coming off a solid rookie year with 925 combined yards and nine touchdowns. If Baltimore is going to have another successful season, they need Dobbins to run the ball effectively. He’s someone to keep an eye out on this season. Oh, and of course, look for Trace McSorely to thrive.
Cleveland Chasing the AFC North Crown
So, the Browns are good, huh? I still haven’t got used to saying it unironically yet. But, at some point, it will come to me. It’s just going to take time. Especially, if they can compete with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens.
But seriously, this team is good at almost every position. Their offensive line is probably the best unit in football. Nick Chubb, Jarvis Landry, and Odell Beckham Jr. are just some of the weapons for Baker Mayfield to use. Cleveland’s defense is going to be good once again, especially at the defensive line and in the secondary.
I have already discussed a linebacker and a wide receiver to watch in this article but I’m doing it for the Browns as well. First, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah dropped farther down than most experts predicted in the 2021 NFL Draft. He can do everything and will probably get asked to do everything in his first season with the Browns. As well, look for Donovan Peoples-Jones to get more passes his way in 2021. He is coming off 304 yards receiving, along with two touchdowns, as well as being the primary return man when healthy. Both of these players should be major contributors in 2021.
Can Cincy Protect Joe Burrow?
This Bengals team is intriguing. Cincinnati has players I like, such as Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Sam Hubbard. They also have an underwhelming o-line and an unproven coaching staff. I want this team to do well, but it’s hard rooting for the people running the operation.
The key to a successful season for the Bengals is protecting Joe Burrow. He represents their best opportunity to become a playoff contender once again. Burrow completed more passes in his first eight games as a rookie than anybody else in the history of the NFL. The last thing Cincinnati can afford is another injury, so they’ll look to protect their franchise quarterback as best they can.
My player to watch on the Bengals this season is safety Jessie Bates. He has over 100 tackles in each of his first three seasons in the NFL and was named a second-team All-Pro in 2020. He is one of the most underrated safeties in the league and is going to get a lot of attention this season. This season is significant for several players on the Bengals, and Bates is one of those guys.
Conclusion
This division is up for grabs. Pittsburgh is a serious contender that is dragging dead weight at quarterback. Baltimore is capable of going on a run but needs improvement from their offensive line and wide receivers. Cleveland is one of the most complete teams in the NFL but needs to overcome past franchise failures to succeed. Cincinnati is showing signs of progress, albeit slow progress. This is anyone’s division to win, and we’ll see who comes out on top after Week 18.