The AFC North Is Legit
The AFC North is arguably the 1st or 2nd best division in the NFL. Many would make the case for the NFC West and rightfully so. Regardless, both divisions are the only divisions with a total of 15 wins. I do not think many were expecting the Browns to be 4-2 on the year and thus, didn’t predict this division to be as hard it is.
But, I also think many people missed on the Pittsburgh Steelers. That team is a legit threat to anyone. Their defense is top 3, they have early defensive player of the year candidate, T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick in the back end and a bunch of speedy linebackers that fly over the place. The Steelers have a big show down next week versus the Tennessee Titans. It will be a great matchup as one of the best running backs faces one of the best rushing defenses. Also, it seems the Steelers found another gem in the draft as WR Chase Claypool, has scored 5 touchdowns in the last two weeks.
The Baltimore Ravens are arguably the best team in the NFL. While they did lose to the Chiefs earlier in the year, they do have the formula to stop Mahomes and anybody, for that matter. Lamar Jackson has yet to win a game when he is trailing at half-time, but this team is well coached and has enough playmakers to win the Super Bowl.
The Ravens manhandled the Browns when they met in Week 1. The Browns had no answer for Jackson and could barely move the ball on offense. The Ravens shored up their defensive front by signing Derek Wolfe and trading for Calais Campbell.
The Bengals are going no where this year, but this teams’ future is bright. 1st overall pick, Joe Burrow, seems to be the real deal. He is the most sacked quarterback in the NFL and that needs to change if the Bengals want him to be around for a while. But, outside of their offensive line, they have solid wideouts in AJ Green and Tee Higgins.
Joe Mixon is very effective out of the back field. Their defense is young, but will develop as the weeks go by. They will have money in the offseason, so it will be interesting to see how they spend it.