The Athletic’s AFC North beat writers break down the division and predict the order of finish.
Jeff Zrebiec (Ravens): 1. Ravens. 2. Bengals. 3. Steelers. 4. Browns
Mike DeFabo (Steelers): Ravens (12-5), Bengals (10-7), Steelers (10-7), Browns (5-12)
Paul Dehner Jr. (Bengals): Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Browns
Zac Jackson (Browns): Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Browns
Zrebiec writes: 📝 “I expect a big bounce-back from the Bengals, but I think the Ravens are the more balanced team. They didn’t lose much from arguably the league’s best offense last year, and they won’t face the defensive adjustments they had to make last season when they lost coordinator Mike Macdonald and so many key assistants and players.
“Given the Steelers’ high-profile veteran additions, it feels like they are a volatile mix. Mike Tomlin will figure it out. He always does. And they’ll probably finish with double-digit wins again. I just don’t think they’re as good as Baltimore or Cincinnati. Cleveland will probably steal a game or two, but that early-season schedule could portend a long season.”
Read more thoughts from our AFC North writers with the link below.
GO FURTHER
AFC North Whiparound: Ravens rule the roost in writers’ division predictions