NFL 2023: Predicting the Final Standings for the AFC North

The AFC North the last few years has been one of the most contested divisions in the NFL. It tends to get really interesting among three of the four teams in the division with the chance that all four teams end up vying for a playoff seed. What will happen this year?

The Baltimore Ravens made a splash move when the team drafted wide receiver Zay Flowers out of Boston College. The Ravens passing game always needed an extra playmaker. Although many Ravens fans and NFL experts will quickly point to the fact that former Minnesota Golden Gophers receiver Rashod Bateman is still developing, we shouldn’t dismiss Flowers as another receiver who will struggle out of the gate.

Despite his height, Flowers consistently challenged and won against taller, physical defenders. For a short receiver, Flowers certainly has the ability to make anyone question the importance of height. Although the preferred height for a receiver is no shorter than 6’0″ tall, the success of Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill can cast some doubt as to the validity of the “a team needs taller receivers” argument”. Although a team doesn’t want a bunch of receivers with a height of 5’11” or shorter, having one of these faster, shorter receivers isn’t a bad thing.

Then of course we have the debate of which AFC North team is stronger between Baltimore and the Cincinnati Bengals. The debate was much easier with the logic that the Bengals are loaded with depth on offense and they have plenty of depth on defense. However, with the uncertainty of whether Joe Mixon will be available this entire season, the front office may need a splash trade or signing to make sure the team has enough depth at that position. Mixon faces a first-degree misdemeanor charge for a road rage incident in which he pointed a gun at a woman in Cincinnati and threatened her. With this being a misdemeanor charge, he could still play this entire season or face a very small suspension at worst.

Perhaps the Bengals would be willing to negotiate with former Browns running back Kareem Hunt just in case?

The fact that Quarterback Joe Burrow is one of the top five playmaking quarterbacks in the NFL and has Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd to throw to, it’s almost futile to even have a serious discussion about the Ravens taking over the AFC North this year.

Then there’s the Pittsburgh Steelers. This team hasn’t quite figured it out on offense but the defense is too good to not give the team a chance for the playoffs. With such dynamic playmakers as T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, you just can’t ignore this team. Say what you will about the fact this team needs to put together a young, dynamic offense. They will get it together. It’s a matter of time. For now, running back Najee Harris and wide receiver George Pickens will be the focal points of the Steelers offense. All eyes will be on them.

What about the perennial underdog team, the Cleveland Browns? This team is getting a lot o hype and rightfully so. Although, the catch to this hype seems to revolve around the expectation that Quarterback DeShaun Watson will finally get his throwing rhythm back on track, and important to remember the myriad of moves this team made in the off-season. Before mentioning the playmakers, it’s important to remember the viral change at defensive coordinator. Jim Schwartz tends to call aggressive plays which is something former Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods didn’t do. Woods was all about blanket coverage from the secondary. Schwartz wants the defensive playmakers to use of their tools to wreak havoc against opposing offenses. This could lead to a better overall effort from the Browns defensive players. They will be more willing to utilize their skill sets to make big plays happen and consistently pressure quarterbacks.

There will be some excitement and energy from the Browns defense. This seemed to be rare during the Woods era. The biggest off-season moves for the Browns were signing defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and safety Juan Thornhill. The Browns also drafted Siaki Ika out of Baylor. Ika could actually challenge for the starting role alongside Tomlinson. Ika doesn’t have much in the way of closing speed but his ability to bull rush offensive lineman could wreak havoc against opposing offenses. The team also made splash moves addressing the major weakness at wide receiver depth.

Signing Marquise Goodwin was just the start. Trading for Elijah Moore and drafting Cedric Tillman were also two big moves the team needed to make. Is it all enough to turn things around in Cleveland? This team isn’t necessarily good enough to challenge for the second or top spot I’m the division just yet. There is loads of talent now but team chemistry needs a lot of work.

Final Standings Projection for the AFC North:

Cincinnati Bengals – 13-4
Baltimore Ravens – 12-5
Cleveland Browns 10-7
Pittsburgh Steelers 8-9