NFL 2024 AFC North Analysis, Preview & Predictions: Will the Ravens continue their dominance?

The Browns are an intriguing dark horse in the AFC North this season. They finished last in the division last year, mainly due to Joe Burrow's season-ending injury.

This year, they're set to have Nick Chubb and Deshaun Watson back in action. Additionally, they bolstered their receiving corps by acquiring talented young receiver Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos and signing him to a new deal. The pass catcher was limited by poor quarterback play last time out, meaning we likely haven't seen him performing up to his full potential yet.

The Browns' tenacious defense will keep them competitive in most games. With standouts like Myles Garrett, Za'Darius Smith, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Jordan Hicks, and Grant Delpit, they boast one of the best defensive units in football.

However, there are concerns about starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has yet to regain his Pro Bowl form since being acquired from the Houston Texans. Watson's career has been in disarray since 2020, and we doubt he has what it takes to lead this team to a division title. They might do enough to sneak into a Wild Card, but that's still a pretty bleak outlook.

The Cincinnati Bengals' playoff hopes will rely on quarterback Joe Burrow's availability. Burrow missed seven games last season due to a wrist injury, and the Bengals finished 9-8, narrowly missing the playoffs. Backup quarterback Jake Browning kept Cincinnati in contention for the playoffs, but he isn't on Burrow's caliber when it comes to leading his club to clutch late-season wins.

Burrow will have Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins back, along with an exciting rookie in Jermain Burton. Cincinnati also upgraded at tight end by acquiring Mike Gesicki, who is an incredible receiver.

Although the Bengals traded running back Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans, tailback Zack Moss should be able to fill the gaping hole on the ground, and you can see why the bookies expect them to bounce back in 2024.

Burrow's return should propel the Bengals back into a race with the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC North title if he stays healthy, although they have too many young and inexperienced defensive backs, which could backfire at the end of the season.

The Steelers finished 10-7 last year despite woeful quarterback play from Kenny Pickett and Mason Randolph. In 2024, there is also a very good reason to bet on the Steel City after they turned over their entire quarterback department from last season, allowing Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky to walk in free agency and trading Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In their place, the Steelers signed Russell Wilson from the Broncos and acquired Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears, which are serious upgrades. Head coach Mike Tomlin has made it clear that veteran Wilson is in line to start.

The Steelers traded wideout Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, but George Pickens is poised for a breakout year. On defense, Keeanu Benton and Joey Porter Jr. will have a year of experience under their belts after impressive rookie campaigns. Pittsburgh also bolstered their roster with key additions, including Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen and safety DeShon Elliott, who fill crucial needs.

If star defensive playmakers T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick stay healthy, the Steelers could deploy their most balanced squad in years and surprise many this season.

There is a lot to like about the Baltimore Ravens, who carry the most balanced and complete roster in the division. The Ravens won 10 of their last 11 games entering Week 18 last season. They added future Hall of Fame running back Derrick Henry, who will pair well with reigning MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.

However, their offensive line, usually a strength, has serious questions. They lost the right side of the unit, with Kevin Zeitler and Morgan Moses leaving in the offseason. Baltimore replaced them with 2023 seventh-round pick Andrew Vorhees and 2024 second-round pick Roger Rosengarten.

There are also questions in the defense after losing cornerback Ronald Darby and safety Geno Ston, right tackle Morgan Moses via a trade to the New York Jets, and edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney in free agency. On top of that, they also lost defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who is currently the Seattle Seahawks head coach.

To replace Macdonald, Baltimore promoted inside linebackers coach Zach Orr, who's been working with its defense for six of the last seven years. The Ravens then reloaded at key positions of need through the draft, but they are likely to rely on the combination of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to battle through the season.