NFL 2023: AFC North Breakdown

The 2023 NFL season is around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to take a look at how each team will potentially shape up this season. 

We continue with the AFC North.

BetMGM AFC North Best Bets: Straight Forecast – 1st Bengals/2nd Ravens (+325), Bengals Div Winner (+120)

Cincinnati Bengals

Season Recap: In their fourth season under head coach Zac Taylor, the Bengals had an 0-2 start that they turned into 12-4 while cliching the AFC North title for the second straight year. The Bengals dominated much of the season and ended the season playing 16 games after their Week 17 game was declared “no-contest” against Buffalo after the Bills’ safety, Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the field. The Bengals went on to win against their division rival, Baltimore Ravens, in the Wild Card round. The following week, the Bengals dominated against the Bills, 27-10. Cincinnati’s luck ended when they lost in the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs due to a literal last minute personal foul by DE Joseph Ossai.

Offseason: The Bengals are not known for having splashy offseasons, but they were able to get OT Orlando Brown. They were finally able to obtain a franchise-caliber blocker to protect Burrow. The team also signed some offensive and defensive boosts, but lost safeties Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell, as well as cornerback Eli Apple.

Make/Miss the Playoffs: Make

Cleveland Browns

Season Recap: The Browns failed to improve from last season under their third season with Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry and first season with quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Browns finished 7-10 and failed to qualify for the playoffs, a slight setback of their 8-9 record the season prior. On March 18, 2022, the Browns acquired Watson from the Texans in exchange for six Draft picks, including three first round picks. Due to Watson’s 11-game suspension from his several sexual assault accusations and lawsuits, the Browns started backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The team had a 4-7 record before Watson stepped up in Week 13.

Offseason: In the offseason, the Browns acquired Dalvin Tomlinson, they had a DL-focused draft and free agency to compete against the harsh AFC offenses. As long as Watson is able to step up, the Browns have the parts of a contending team.

Make/Miss the Playoffs: Miss

Pittsburgh Steelers

Season Recap: The Steelers completed their first season since 2003 without long-time quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. It was also the first time since 1999 without general manager Kevin Colbert who also announced his retirement a day after Roethlisberger on January 28, 2022. The Steelers began their season with a 2-6 record and failed to improve on their 9-7-1 record the season prior. The Steelers had a mini turnaround in the middle of the season to stay in the playoff race through Week 18 and narrowly missed the playoffs when they lost the tiebreaker due to their Week 7 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, to which they lost. However, this was their 19th consecutive non-losing season.

Offseason: The team lost Cameron Sutton but replaced him with Patrick Peterson, who may be able to fill the shoes of that role. Darnell Washington also joined the team who has a lot of blocking talent and football intelligence. The Steelers have the pieces of a contending team, but it will be up to how it plays out in a tough conference.

Make/Miss the Playoffs: Maybe?

Baltimore Ravens

Season Recap: The Ravens improved on their 8-9 record from their season prior and qualified for the playoffs, but lost to the Bengals in the Wild Card round. The team held a double-digit lead in their first 10 games of the season, however they were also plagued with injuries. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was out for the season with a knee injury, replaced by backup Tyler Huntley. The Ravens also had trouble closing out games where they blew four games by at least 10 points.

Offseason: With cornerback Marcus Peters gone, Rock Ya-Sin and Trayvon Mullen replaced him. Jackson finally got his long-term deal after the offseason contract extension drama. The Ravens have parts of a competing roster especially with a pair of offensive weapons in Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor.

Make/Miss the Playoffs: Make

Division Winner Prediction: Bengals

It feels like the Chiefs-Bills-Bengals AFC trifecta is going to happen again. Out of this division, the Bengals won last season. I think it’s more than likely that they’ll win it again. I think the Browns and Steelers might be on shaky ground with their quarterbacks and the Ravens will be the second best in the division. The Bengals have the most experience with this kind of situation.