The AFC North always seems to be competitive. All four teams finished above .500 last year. Heading into ’24, each team feels like they’re in a position to win the division. The Ravens are led by the reigning MVP and an elite defense. The Browns and Steelers are looking to make the postseason for the second year in a row. And, the Bengals are looking to return to the playoffs with Joe Burrow back in tow. Let’s see how each team stacks up against one another by ranking the position groups on both sides of the ball. At the end, we’ll offer a prediction for how the final standings will eventually play out.
Baltimore Ravens: Projected Offense
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
QB: Lamar Jackson
RB: Derrick Henry
FB: Patrick Ricard
WR: Rashod Bateman
WR: Zay Flowers
TE: Mark Andrews
LT: Ronnie Stanley
LG: Andrew Vorhees
C: Tyler Linderbaum
RG: Ben Cleveland
RT: Roger Rosengarten
Baltimore Ravens: Projected Defense
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
DE: Justin Madubuike
NT: Michael Pierce
DE: Broderick Washington
OLB: Odafe Oweh
ILB: Roquan Smith
ILB: Trenton Simpson
OLB: Kyle Van Noy
CB: Marlon Humphrey
CB: Nate Wiggins
FS: Marcus Williams
SS: Kyle Hamilton
Cincinnati Bengals: Projected Offense
The Enquirer/USA TODAY Sports
QB: Joe Burrow
RB: Zack Moss
WR: Ja’Marr Chase
WR: Tee Higgins
WR: Jermaine Burton
TE: Mike Gesicki
LT: Orlando Brown Jr.
LG: Cordell Volson
C: Ted Karras
RG: Alex Cappa
RT: Trent Brown
Cincinnati Bengals: Projected Defense
Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
DE: Sam Hubbard
DT: BJ Hill
DT: Sheldon Rankins
DE: Trey Hendrickson
LB: Logan Wilson
LB: Germaine Pratt
LB: Akeem Davis-Gaither
CB: Cam Taylor-Britt
CB: DJ Turner
FS: Geno Stone
SS: Vonn Bell
Cleveland Browns: Projected Offense
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
QB: Deshaun Watson
RB: Nick Chubb
WR: Amari Cooper
WR: Jerry Jeudy
WR: Elijah Moore
TE: David Njoku
LT: Jedrick Wills Jr.
LG: Joel Bitonio
C: Ethan Pocic
RG: Wyatt Teller
RT: Jack Conklin
Cleveland Browns: Projected Defense
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
DE: Myles Garrett
DT: Dalvin Tomlinson
DT: Shelby Harris
DE: Za’Darius Smith
LB: Jermiah Owusu-Koramoah
LB: Jordan Hicks
LB: Devin Bush
CB: Denzel Ward
CB: Greg Newsome II
FS: Juan Thornhill
SS: Grant Delpit
Pittsburgh Steelers: Projected Offense
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
QB: Russell Wilson
RB: Najee Harris
WR: George Pickens
WR: Van Jefferson
WR: Roman Wilson
TE: Pat Freiermuth
LT: Troy Fautanu
LG: Isaac Seumalo
C: Zack Frazier
RG: James Daniels
RT: Broderick Jones
Pittsburgh Steelers: Projected Defense
Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
DE: Larry Ogunjobi
DT: Keanu Benton
DE: Cameron Heyward
OLB: T.J. Watt
ILB: Patrick Queen
ILB: Cole Holcomb
OLB: Alex Highsmith
CB: Joey Porter Jr.
CB: Donte Jackson
FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick
SS: DeShon Elliott
Ranking Quarterbacks
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
1. Baltimore Ravens — Lamar Jackson
2. Cincinnati Bengals — Joe Burrow
3. Pittsburgh Steelers — Russell Wilson/Justin Fields
4. Cleveland Browns — Deshaun Watson
There’s a clear divide among the caliber of QBs in the AFC North. The top two are considered elite, while the other two teams are still searching for a clear answer. It would feel wrong to have a two-time MVP anywhere but first, even with Lamar Jackson’s continued struggles in the postseason. With that said, Joe Burrow didn’t look like himself in 10 games last year before his season ended with a wrist injury. The Steelers take the No. 3 spot despite not being certain about the starter. Not being committed to either one is probably better than Cleveland’s current situation. The Browns don’t really have any choice but to play Deshaun Watson unless he’s injured. They’re paying him far too much to sit on the bench, and he’s been horrible for two years now.
Ranking Running Back Groups
Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
1. Cleveland Browns — Nick Chubb/Jerome Ford
2. Baltimore Ravens — Derrick Henry/Justice Hill/Keaton Mitchell
3. Pittsburgh Steelers — Najee Harris/Jaylen Warren
4. Cincinnati Bengals — Zack Moss/Chase Brown
Nick Chubb’s health will obviously be something to monitor as the season approaches. Last season saw Chubb suffer a season-ending injury in Week 2. While it’s unlikely he’ll be ready to suit up in Cleveland’s season opener, he’ll immediately be the best running back in the division as soon as he’s ready to take the field. Derrick Henry will assume that role as long as Chubb is out. And, the Ravens might have a case for the No. 1 spot if Keaton Mitchell was healthy. We’ll see another split in Pittsburgh between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, though the latter was far more effective last year. The Bengals signed journeyman Zack Moss following the departure of longtime starter Joe Mixon.
Ranking Skill Players
Arizona Republic/USA TODAY Sports
1. Cincinnati Bengals — Ja’Marr Chase/Tee Higgins/Jermaine Burton/Mike Gesicki
2. Cleveland Browns — Amari Cooper/Jerry Jeudy/Elijah Moore/David Njoku
3. Baltimore Ravens — Zay Flowers/Rashod Bateman/Mark Andrews/Nelson Agholor/Patrick Ricard
4. Pittsburgh Steelers — George Pickens/Van Jefferson/Roman Wilson/Pat Freiermuth
Ja’Marr Chase is the best No. 1 WR in the division, and Tee Higgins is the best No. 2. That’s enough to land Cincinnati in the top spot despite losing veteran Tyler Boyd in the offseason. Cleveland’s group boasts more depth and is hoping former Bronco Jerry Jeudy thrives in a new scenery. The Ravens have the talent, but it’s not a totally reliable group. There isn’t much to dislike about Pittsburgh’s No. 1 wideout George Pickens, but what’s stopping teams from focusing all their attention on him and forcing the Steelers’ other mediocre options to win one-on-one?
Ranking Offensive Lines
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
1. Cleveland Browns
2. Cincinnati Bengals
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Another Browns No. 1 ranking that comes with a bit of a caveat. Cleveland’s starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. is coming off an MCL injury and missed the last two months of the ’23 campaign. When this group is whole, it’s a top-5 unit. The Bengals have done a lot in improving their protection in recent years. This is probably the best group they’ve had since Burrow was drafted. Pittsburgh rounds out the ranking. It’s a young line that performed terribly last season. However, rookie Troy Fautanu should be an instant upgrade at left tackle and former first-round pick Broderick Jones will likely be improved.
Ranking Defensive Line Groups
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
1. Cleveland Browns
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. Cincinnati Bengals
There’s a case for the Browns having the best defensive line in all of football. Led by the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, this group is the driving force for Cleveland’s elite defense. That being said, this entire division is stacked on the defensive line. Baltimore’s tandem of Justin Madubuike and Michael Pierce is severely underrated. Pittsburgh would be a top-3 group league-wide if their pass rushers were included here. Still, Cameron Heyward remains excellent and they’ve been stockpiling depth through the draft. Cincinnati’s last-place ranking can be a bit misleading. Half of the teams in the NFL would trade their current situation to obtain a guy like Trey Hendrickson, who recorded 17.5 sacks last season.
Ranking Linebacker Groups
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Cleveland Browns
The AFC North has a storied history of elite linebacker play. Especially in terms of former Steelers and Ravens. Pittsburgh shines at this level, where they boast an All-Pro in T.J. Watt, rising star Alex Highsmith, and newcomer Patrick Queen. While Baltimore had to see Queen leave for a division rival, they still have plenty of talent at the position. Roquan Smith is the best off-ball LB not named Fred Warner in the league. Cincinnati’s group thrives in pass coverage with Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson. Cleveland ranks last, but Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is among the most exciting defenders in the division.
Ranking Defensive Back Groups
Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Cleveland Browns
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Another tight race for the top spot. Baltimore earns the nod just barely. They have the best safety duo in the league with Kyle Hamilton being the top DB in the division. If Illinois’ Nate Wiggins lives up to his status as a first-round pick, this will be an elite group once again. Cleveland’s cornerback room is among the league’s best — Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, Martin Emerson Jr. — but they’re a bit weaker at safety. We like the potential of Cincinnati’s secondary. Especially if the pair of former Wolverines — DJ Turner and Dax Hill — shine in ’24. We’re not totally sleeping on Pittsburgh’s secondary. Minkah Fitzpatrick is a star and Joey Porter Jr. flashed some serious coverage chops as a rookie. The rest of the secondary, though, has a lot to prove.
Ranking Special Teams Groups
The Tennessean/USA TODAY Sports
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Cleveland Browns
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Justin Tucker has the top spot reserved until he calls it quits. The Steelers take second place after Chris Boswell bounced back in ’24. He’s now made at least 90-percent of his kicks in four of the last five seasons. Cleveland’s Dustin Hopkins is coming off a great year (8-for-8 on 50-plus yard attempts). Last place goes to the Bengals. Evan McPherson has failed to recapture the accuracy he showed as a rookie. He missed five kicks from 50-plus last year, tied for a league-high.
Ranking Offensive Coordinator
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
1. Baltimore Ravens — Todd Monken
2. Cleveland Browns — Ken Dorsey
3. Pittsburgh Steelers — Arthur Smith
4. Cincinnati Bengals — Dan Pitcher
Monken’s vertical scheme helped the Ravens open up the offense in ’24 and led to Lamar Jackson capturing his second MVP trophy. It should look even better now that the team is preparing for Year 2 in the same system. The Browns added former Bills OC Ken Dorsey. It felt like Dorsey got the short end of the stick in Buffalo as the team struggled early on. The offense was hardly the problem, as the team ranked inside the top-10 in most offensive categories before he was let go. New Steelers OC Arthur Smith made some puzzling decisions as head coach of the Falcons. Perhaps he’s better suited for this sort of role — the same one he flourished in with the Titans previously. Cincinnati’s Dan Pitcher enters his first year as an OC. He’s been with the Bengals since 2016, and his only other coaching stop was with Cortland (New York) as a wide receivers coach in 2012.
Ranking Defensive Coordinator
The Enquirer/USA TODAY Sports
1. Cleveland Browns — Jim Schwartz
2. Cincinnati Bengals — Lou Anarumo
3. Pittsburgh Steelers — Teryl Austin
4. Baltimore Ravens — Zach Orr
Cleveland’s Jim Schwartz was named the Assistant Coach of the Year in 2023 after his defense enjoyed a dominant campaign. He boasts 30 years of NFL experience and has always been solid on that side of the ball. Lou Anarumo has earned the No. 2 spot primarily for what he’s been able to do without as much talent as the other teams. Anarumo’s defense is seemingly the only one in the AFC that has consistently given Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs problems. Pittsburgh’s Teryl Austin was a longtime assistant before earning the DC job last year. The Steelers were sixth in points allowed in his first year as a play-caller. Baltimore has a rookie play-caller of its own in Zach Orr. The former Raven linebacker joined the coaching staff after retiring from football in 2016. He will have some huge shoes to fill replacing Mike Macdonald and has plenty of talent to work with on that Baltimore defense.
Ranking Head Coaches
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — Mike Tomlin
2. Baltimore Ravens — John Harbaugh
3. Cleveland Browns — Kevin Stefanski
4. Cincinnati Bengals — Zac Taylor
Two Super Bowl-winning coaches and two others still searching for their first championship. Mike Tomlin narrowly edges out John Harbaugh here. For some, it’s a matter of preference. Recently, Tomlin’s teams have been far less talented than Harbaugh’s. The Steelers have found ways to compete despite not having stable QB play for the last five seasons. Not too many divisions would have a two-time Coach of the Year occupying the No. 3 spot, but it’s difficult to make a case for Kevin Stefanski ranking in the top two. Zac Taylor led the Bengals to the Super Bowl just two seasons ago but has to settle for fourth-place.
Projecting Results in 2024-25
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Cincinnati Bengals
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. Cleveland Browns
The Ravens have one of the best rosters in football, are led by a two-time MVP, and have a Super Bowl-winning coach and culture already in place. We can’t feasibly pick against them, even though all of these teams end up playing each other extremely close throughout the season. Cincinnati should be back in the playoffs with Joe Burrow rested and healthy. For the third spot, we can’t count out the Steelers. Their QB play can’t get much worse than last year, and they’ve never finished below .500 under Tomlin. The Browns have the highest potential to bust. Deshaun Watson hasn’t been a good NFL quarterback in four years and they could be without Nick Chubb for multiple games. They also have history working against them. Cleveland hasn’t finished above .500 in back-to-back seasons since ’88-’89.
