AFC North Preview: Will the Entire Division Make the Post-Season?

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Ever since the NFL playoff expansion, we’ve been waiting for an entire division to make the NFL playoffs. The wait will come to an end in the 2024 regular season. The entire AFC North has the gauntlet of teams that the rest of the NFL will view as a viable playoff division top to bottom. This is going to happen this year.

Let’s start with the obvious, the Baltimore Ravens are king of the hill. Despite several defensive players leaving the league’s top defense, this team shouldn’t lose too much defensive tenacity. Also, the offensive addition of the NFL’s king at running back, Derrick Henry (AKA King Henry) will put the Ravens back on top of this AFC division. It’s tough enough slowing down the modern “Michael Vick” of all Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson when takes off and runs. Now defenses have to deal with the top running duo of Henry and Jackson. Add covering Mark Andrews, one of the most consistent Tight Ends in football and you have a real nightmare on your hands.

The Cleveland Browns might not be as much of a question mark as many might assume. Although the status of Nick Chubb certainly gives many Browns fans sleepless nights, let’s not forget that Jerome Ford showed true numbers one running back promise. The key for Ford is consistency. Cleveland will likely have one of the best passing units in the NFL as the key addition Jerry Jeudy will spell disaster for opposing defenses. It’s simply not fair to cover Jeudy and Cooper along with Cedric Tillman. Then there’s the emerging David Njoku at tight end. Who knows if Chubb will still run effectively after he returns? If he does, the Browns could be a top 5 offense, especially with the return of several key offensive linemen. The Browns had a top-five defense last year led by the top defensive end in the league Myles Garrett.

The Cincinnati Bengals should return to glory if they can keep Joe Burrow healthy this season. This is something the Bengals have a hard time doing. Even so, this team narrowly missed the playoffs in 2023 with a 9-8 record. The team is getting better defensively too which is something to watch. The only bad news is the team no longer has running back Joe Mixon. The Bengals should still win 11 or 12 games this year.

The Pittsburgh Steelers should return to the playoffs for the second consecutive season. After acquiring Russell Wilson, this team has the veteran, Super Bowl presence it direly needs after so many inconsistent quarterback performances. It’s also nice to have Justin Fields at number two on the depth chart.

Projection for final standings of the AFC North

Baltimore 14-3

Cleveland 12-5

Cincinnati 11-6

Pittsburgh 10-7

Pittsburgh will be the seventh seed. Cincinnati will be the sixth seed. Cleveland will be the fifth seed.