NFL - AFC North Season Preview and Prediction

AFC NORTH PREVIEW
 
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
 
Last Season (11-5, 1st in AFC North, Lost AFC Championship Game) 399 Points For, 327 Against
 
Quarterback 9/10 (Ben Roethlisberger)  - Big Ben was as good as ever last year despite being a little banged up with injuries as the years roll on. Roethlisberger threw 29 touchdowns to 13 interceptions, and threw close to 4000 yards in just 14 games played. Roethlisberger hinted at retirement just last year, so this could be his last hurrah in what has been a storied career. 
 
Offence - 9/10 - Outside of Roethlisberger, the Steelers have 2 of the best offensive players in football. Le’Veon Bell is arguably the best running back in the NFL, and Antonio Brown is one of the top wide receivers in the game, to bring a compelling offence on the ground and through the air. The Steelers averaged 25 points per game last year, and remain one of the most potent sides in the NFL offensively. 
 
Defence - 5.5/10 - The halcyon days of the famous Steel Curtain appear to be a distant memory at the moment. The Steelers built their whole culture of success through decades on their defence, however it has been a very pale imitation the past few seasons. The Steelers gave up over 20 points per game last year and, whilst they have a number of young talented players on defence, they have not put it together as a unit just yet. 
 
Prediction - 12-4 (1st in AFC North) 
 
This division has teams on the slide for mine, and Pittsburgh appears a sure bet to win the division and rack up a good win record in the process. I think their defence will improve with a number of younger players showing potential, and their offence is dynamic. 
 
CINCINNATI BENGALS
 
Last Season (6-9-1, 3rd in AFC North), 325 Points For, 315 Against
 
Quarterback 7/10 (Andy Dalton) - Whilst the Bengals regressed as a side last season, Andy Dalton quietly put aside very impressive numbers. Passing for over 4000 yards, and with a completion percentage 67%, Dalton was extremely effective. The criticism of Dalton is he is not explosive enough, throwing for just 18 touchdowns. Dalton is yet to win a playoff game in Cincinnati. 
 
Offence 7.5/10 - The Bengals were steady on offence, rather than explosive, averaging around 20 points per game. They have one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the game in AJ Green whose season was hampered by injury last year. The Bengals appear well stocked at running back and wide receiver, however their shaky offensive line could prove a problem. 
 
Defence 7.5/10 - The Bengals’ defence showed promise last season, conceding around 19-20 points per game on average. This defensive unit finished the season extremely strongly, ranking 3rd for points allowed in the second half of the season, meaning they will start the season with momentum and confidence. The Bengals didn't get enough pressure on the quarterback last year, finishing in the bottom 10 teams for sacks. 
 
Prediction - 9-7 (2nd AFC North, Just miss playoffs) 
 
I think this team can at least get back into the playoff hunt this season, after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2010 last year. Discipline, not lack of talent, was the problem for the Bengals at times last year, and I think behind an improved defence and strong offensive cast, they can win 2nd spot in the division and fight for a Wild Card position. 
 
BALTIMORE RAVENS
 
Last Season 8-8 (2nd in AFC North, missed playoffs) 343 Points For, 321 Points Against
 
Quarterback 7.5/10 (Joe Flacco) - Flacco threw for over 4000 yards last season, however was inconsistent throwing for 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Whilst at 32 Flacco should be in the prime of his career, and is a Super Bowl winner, he is still recovering somewhat from tearing his ACL and MCL in 2015. At his best, Flacco has a strong arm and is tough and reliable; however his form has dipped a bit in the past 4 years since winning the Super Bowl in 2013. 
 
Offence 6.5/10 - The Ravens have some speed on the outside, however they look to be missing some big names in offence overall outside of Flacco. The offensive line was shaky last year causing Flacco to struggle at times. The Ravens ran the ball the 3rd least of any team in the NFL last season, and need to address that to get more balance in their offence. 
 
Defence 8/10 - The Ravens were the best defence in the NFL for several years when Ray Lewis was around, however they have declined in recent years. This year they have recruited heavily in defence from both the draft and free agency, and this looks like a group capable of being their best since their Super Bowl win. 
 
Prediction - 8-8  (3rd in AFC North) 

I think the Ravens’ glory days are over, however as usual they will be tough and competitive. This team has lots of veteran leaders and plays hard every week. I just think the offence is going to struggle to match both the Steelers and Bengals and, even though they should improve defensively, it won’t be enough to get them past 3rd in their division. 
 
 CLEVELAND BROWNS
 
Last Season (1-15, Last in AFC North, 264 Points For, 452 Against
 
Quarterback 3/10 - (Brock Osweiler, DeShone Kizer) - Brock Osweiler was traded to the Browns after his disastrous season for the Texans last year. Osweiler played well, filling in for Peyton Manning 2 years ago in Denver’s Super Bowl winning season, but really struggled last season to find any rhythm or live up to his big contract. DeShone Kizer was selected in the 2nd round of the draft by the Browns, and has been sharing first team snaps with Osweiler in the pre-season. 
 
Offence 4/10 - The Browns really struggled on offence last year behind poor quarterback play, averaging just 15 points per game. The Browns used 6 different quarterbacks last season, which is a recipe for disaster in the NFL. The Browns have strengthened their offensive line and should have a stronger running game as a result. 
 
Defence 5/10 - The Browns used their first 2 draft picks on defence as they look to improve on a unit which gave up over 27 points per game on average last season. The Browns fired their defensive coordinator and will be playing a new scheme this season. 
 
Prediction - 4-12 (Last in AFC North) 
 
The Browns have improved their roster this season and I expect them to be far more competitive. However, they still look a far way off the other sides in the always competitive AFC North, and a 4 or 5 win season would be realistic progress for a team that bottomed out with just 1 win last season.