The AFC North is the toughest division in the league and is likely to remain that way throughout the 2021 season. Three teams from this division reached the playoffs in 2020, with two of them winning a playoff game, and one transcending from the most pitied team to one that is envied. The Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Pittsburgh Steelers have most sports betting apps expecting them to win against the majority of their opponents. Even the Cincinnati Bengals are predicted to have a better season than they have had in years. What exactly makes the AFC North such a force? Each team has strengths that will help them this season.
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The AFC North is Still Toughest Division in the NFL
Browns Elite Offense and Improved Defense
The Browns are fifth on ESPN’s power rankings for the next three seasons . They ended an 18-year playoff drought in 2020. Winning against their biggest rival, the Steelers, and nearly upsetting the Kansas City Chiefs just added to their growing list of achievements. All five starters from one of the NFL’s best offensive lines will return. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are considered the best running back duo entering the season. The passing game should improve with the return on Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry and Austin Hooper.
The Browns invested in their defense during the off-season. John Johnson Jr. and Troy Hill were brought in, bolstering their secondary. First round pick Greg Newsome II and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah were some of the biggest steals of the Draft. Jadeveon Clowney and Takkarist McKinley are expected to further improve the defense.
Steelers New Offensive Line
With Ben Roethlisberger needing stability around him, the Steelers will have a largely new offensive line. The line will consist of left tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, left guard Kevin Dotson, center Kendrick Green, right guard Trai Turner and right tackle Zach Banner. First round pick Najee Harris is expected to lift their running game. The Steelers need a heavily improved rushing attack, and it is believed it can happen this season.
Additionally, their defense still consists of stars T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick. With these guys, Pittsburgh can still be a threat. They still have one of the best defenses in the league, and don’t forget they’ve led the NFL in sacks for four straight seasons.
Ravens Reinforced Offense for Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson faced several challenges in 2020. He battled COVID-19, a constantly changing offensive line and weak targets to throw to. The Ravens made sure to give Jackson better tools to work with. Wide receivers Sammy Watkins and rookies Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace should be reliable weapons for Jackson to work with. Baltimore’s list of weapons includes Marquise Browns and tight end Mark Andrews. An improved group of targets is just what the team needs in order to have another playoff season.
The Bengals Optimism Surrounding Joe Burrow
Cincinnati may have found their long-term solution in the form of Joe Burrow. ESPN ranked the quarterback 13th-best in the league. Burrow’s ACL injury ended his 2020 campaign, but his immense potential was noticeable in the weeks before. There is optimism in this team because not only can Burrow improve, but he also has a great trio of receivers that could arguably be one of the league’s better corps very soon. Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins are strong performers. Ja’Marr Chase worked well with Burrow at LSU and the quarterback is thrilled to do it again. Their connection, especially on deep balls, will make a difference.
The AFC North was tough last year and there is every reason it will remain the toughest division in 2021. And it will all be on display very soon.
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