AFC North Division Predictions: Ceiling & Floor Analysis for Each Team
Editor's note: Michael Plundo is an incoming junior at Texas Tech studying Sports Management and spending his second semester as an intern at 600 ESPN El Paso. He is an aspiring sports journalist. Throughout the final few weeks of his internship, Michael will be diving into each NFL division to give his outlook on each team, with the ceiling and floor for each franchise. In his final edition of the series, Michael previews the AFC North below.
Behold the NFL's premier division! Last season, three teams from this division made the playoffs, and it's not out of the question that all four could secure playoff spots this year, something that has never been done in NFL history. The reigning division champions, the Baltimore Ravens, are determined to stay at the top with MVP Lamar Jackson leading the charge. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns are poised to claim their first-ever division title, the Pittsburgh Steelers with a revamped offense, and the Cincinnati Bengals are set to make noise with a healthy Joe Burrow back in action. There is a reason this division was selected for HBO's in-season Hard Knocks—where the excitement truly lives.
Baltimore Ravens
- Record: 13-4 (2023) - Overall finish: Lost in Conference Championship
- Division placement: 1st - Head Coach: John Harbaugh (17th season)
- Offense rank: 370.4 yds/G (6/32) - Defense rank: 301.4 yds/G allowed (6/32)
Last year’s overview:
The Baltimore Ravens enjoyed a great season, capturing their seventh AFC North title, finishing as the number one seed in the AFC, and star quarterback Lamar Jackson adding a second MVP to his resume. However, they fell short of a Super Bowl appearance as they lost to the eventual champs Kansas City Chiefs in the Conference Championship. The Ravens were great on both sides of the ball, the offense led by Lamar and their explosive run game and a strong passing game with star tight end Mark Andrews and the emergence of rookie receiver Zay Flowers. The Ravens defense became the first NFL team to have the fewest points allowed (16.5) and the most sacks (60) and takeaways (31) in a season. No question that the Ravens still have their sights on bringing a third Super Bowl trophy to Charm City and head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta want to make that happen.
New Additions:
The Ravens had a bunch of free agents they lost but were able to keep some notable ones. Defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald who helped lead an elite Ravens defense for the past two years, left for the head coaching job in Seattle, a tough loss. However, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike agreed to a four-year, $98 million deal that includes $75.5 million in guarantees, a good keep as he led the Ravens in sacks last season. Baltimore was able to keep linebacker Kyle Van Noy on a two-year, $9 million deal, Van Noy was a key player on the Ravens' defense late season as he had nine sacks and nine tackles for loss in his final 12 games last season. Linebacker Jadeveon Clowney left for Carolina, but linebacker Malik Harrison re-signed on a one-year deal giving the team depth at the position. Cornerback Arthur Maulet was brought back on a two-year deal giving the team another experienced starter in the fold, and defensive end Brent Urban is also returning on a one-year contract, a solid run defender.
Running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards signed with the Chargers leaving a hole at running back, and wide receiver/return specialist Devin Duvernay signed with Jacksonville and cornerback Ronald Darby. However, Ravens fans will like their new running back Derrick Henry, or “King Henry” agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the team. This Ravens offense just got a lot more explosive, the duo of Jackson and Henry should terrify opposing defenses, a match made in heaven. Guard John Simpson left to sign with the Jets and tackle Morgan Moses was traded to them as well, veteran guard Kevin Zeitler left for Detroit DeCosta signed former Texans tackle Josh Jones to a one-year deal, a downgrade but gives the team experience. On the defensive front, former Patriots linebacker Chris Board has joined the Ravens, bringing valuable experience and depth to their squad. His addition strengthens the special teams and serves as a reliable backup to projected starter Trenton Simpson. In his second year, Simpson is set to team up with two-time All-Pro Roquan Smith, filling the void left by Patrick Queen’s departure to their hated rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, a tough pill to swallow. Queen was not the only ex-Raven to leave for a division rival as safety Geno Stone signed with the Cincinnati Bengals who was second in the league with interceptions, two crucial losses on Harbaugh’s defense. To bolster their safety depth, the Ravens have signed former 2018 first-team All-Pro Eddie Jackson to a one-year deal. This addition provides a strong option for their already great secondary.
In the draft where the Ravens always come away with great talent, that trend continued with this year’s class. In the first round, the Ravens selected Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins, a good pick by DeCosta who joins a Ravens cornerback room led by Marlon Humphrey. Second-round selection Roger Rosengarten out of Washington was a nice find, who could be the Ravens’ week 1 starting right tackle. Another cornerback selection came in the fourth round where the Ravens picked T.J. Tampa, a steal of a pick.
Burning Questions for BAL:
While the Ravens did part with some key starters in the offseason, their roster remains packed with superstar talent. They continue to be a formidable force and remain firmly among the AFC's elite.
Will the Offensive Line hold up?
Can the Ravens break through?
Baltimore’s offensive line lost some starters this offseason and with a new look upfront, can they hold up? Second-year Guard Andrew Vorhees tore his Achilles in the 2023 NFL combine, despite this the Ravens took him in the seventh round knowing he would miss his rookie season. Vorhees went to USC and was a 2022 First-team All-American and First-team All-Pro, has an opportunity to be the starting left guard. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley has proven to be an effective player but has had trouble staying healthy and time may be running out for him. Third-year center Tyler Linderbaum has been nothing short of excellent and if his elite play continues, a big payday will be coming his way. The right side of the line will likely feature Daniel Faalele at guard and Rosengarten at tackle. For a team that excels when running the ball, this line will need to perform at its highest level to maximize their effectiveness.
The Ravens captured the top seed in both the 2019-20 season when Lamar Jackson earned his first MVP award, and again this past season. Despite their strong regular-season performances, they have faltered in the playoffs, failing to advance to the Super Bowl and suffering losses at home on both occasions. Already in a tough conference, the Ravens face a challenging division and things are set to get even tougher with a healthy Joe Burrow returning. The Ravens have also struggled with costly mistakes and crucial turnovers, which have significantly impacted their ability to close out games. Lamar is 4-1 against Burrow, has a 7-4 record vs the Browns, but only has one career win as a starter against the Steelers.
Baltimore boasts all the ingredients for a Super Bowl run, featuring an explosive offense spearheaded by Lamar. With the addition of King Henry, the dynamic tight-end duo of Andrews and Isaiah Likely, and Flowers poised for a breakout season, the Ravens are well-equipped for a deep playoff push. Additionally, keep an eye on Keaton Mitchell, a promising running back who could emerge as a key player. The defense is still strong with star safety Kyle Hamilton paired with Marcus Williams, Smith and Madubuike securing the middle, and Humphrey as the top corner. If they stay healthy, a repeat as division champions is certainly within reach, but Baltimore is setting its sights even higher.
Ceiling/Floor:
Ceiling: 13-4
Floor: 9-8
Cleveland Browns
- Record: 11-6 (2023) - Overall finish: Lost in Wild Card
- Division placement: 2nd �� - Head Coach: Kevin Stefanski (5th season)
- Offense rank: 335.9 yds/G (16/32) - Defense rank: 270.2 yds/G allowed (1/32)
Last year’s overview:
Being one of the most injury-riddled teams in the league certainly presents challenges. Despite these hurdles, the Cleveland Browns still managed to clinch a playoff spot in 2023. Their ability to achieve this despite significant adversity is a testament to their resilience. Despite losing starting quarterback Deshaun Watson and star running back Nick Chubb to season-ending injuries, the Browns remained resilient. Backup quarterback Joe Flacco stepped up and even won Comeback Player of the Year, followed by an elite defense anchored by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett guided by first-year defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who played a crucial role in their success. Kudos to head coach Kevin Stefanski for expertly navigating the season despite numerous injuries. His remarkable efforts earned him the 2023 AP NFL Coach of the Year award, marking his second time receiving this honor. The culture in Cleveland has undergone a transformation, now centered around a winning mentality that was previously absent. Unfortunately, Flacco’s magic ended in a wild-card loss to Houston. General Manager Andrew Berry is focused on bringing a Super Bowl to the city, reflecting the renewed vision and ambition within the organization.
New Additions:
With the league's top-ranked defense, Berry re-signed key player Za’Darius Smith to a two-year deal. Smith’s return is a significant boost, complementing Myles Garrett and enhancing the defensive lineup. Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott departed for San Francisco, but Cleveland was able to re-sign Maurice Hurst to a one-year deal. Hurst, a reliable rotational player, is poised to take on a larger role with Elliott's departure, pairing him with defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. Former Jet Quinton Jefferson signed with Cleveland on a one-year deal, a veteran that adds depth. With Flacco moving on to a backup role in Indianapolis, the Browns have signed Jameis Winston to a one-year deal with $4 million guaranteed to fill the backup position. This decision is somewhat surprising, given Flacco's proven effectiveness as a reliable option. With linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. departing for Miami, the Browns have signed veteran Jordan Hicks to a two-year, $8 million deal to fill the void and will likely pair up with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Hicks, who recorded over 100 tackles for five straight seasons, will be a key player for the Browns, especially with the departures of Walker and Sione Takitaki, who signed with New England.
As Chubb continues to recover from his severe injury sustained in week two against the Steelers, the Browns have bolstered their running back depth. They’ve signed D’Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines to one-year deals. Both players bring reliability and experience, serving as key bridge options while Chubb is on the mend. Cleveland is still hoping for the return of the Houston form of Deshaun Watson. To bolster the receiving corps, Andrew Berry acquired wide receiver Jerry Jeudy from Denver in exchange for 2024 fifth and sixth-round picks, joins a receiver room led by star player Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore, who will be looking to prove himself. The Browns promptly signed Jeudy to a three-year, $58 million contract with $41 million guaranteed. While Jeudy (25) is a promising deep threat, the move raises some questions, as he has yet to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season since entering the league in 2020. With no first-round pick due to the Watson trade, Berry's first selection came in the second round, where he chose defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. Fortunately for Hall, he won't need to travel far, joining the Browns directly from Ohio State. One of the standout defensive linemen at the Senior Bowl practices, Hall impressed coaches with his potential. However, he will need to focus on improving his consistency to fully maximize that potential. In the third round, Berry secured a valuable pick with Zak Zinter, a guard from Michigan. Known for his strength in both pass protection and run blocking, Zinter will be joining an offensive line that is already among the best in the NFL.
Burning Questions for CLE:
The Browns' roster is brimming with talent and offers plenty to be excited about. Health has been a significant factor for the team, and after making the playoffs with an 11-6 record last season, Browns fans are eager to see what they could achieve at full strength.
Will Nick Chubb return to form?
Can the Houston form of Deshaun Watson please stand up?
No denying that Chubb is one of the best running backs in the league right now. A player that some could say resembles legend Jim Brown a bit, however Chubb’s future is in question. Chubb suffered a torn MCL and a damaged ACL last season, a gruesome injury nobody should have to ever watch. Considering the typically short career span for running backs, combined with Chubb's age of 28 and the absence of a definitive return date, there's a possibility that he may not return to his previous level of performance. It is remarkable to see him making progress and fans are hoping to see him on the field again.
When the Browns traded for Watson back in the 2022 offseason they were hoping to get the quarterback that is a three-time Pro Bowl selection (2018-20), two-time AFC Offensive Player of the month (October 2017 and October 2019), NFL Offensive Rookie of the month in October of 2017, and the 2020 NFL Passing Yards leader. Since joining Cleveland and agreeing on a five-year, $230 million guaranteed contract, along with navigating his suspension and legal issues, Watson has yet to regain his Houston form. Time may be running out for him to deliver if his performance doesn’t improve. Additionally, he's coming off a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery, which could impact his return to peak performance.
The Browns showed last year that with solid depth, anything is possible. The defense is poised to maintain its elite status, especially with most of last year's starters returning at full strength. With Garrett and star cornerback Denzel Ward will lead the unit, and guys like Owusu-Koramoah and cornerback Greg Newsome due for contracts soon, look out for them to break out. Watson is backed by a solid supporting cast, featuring a strong offensive line, a promising receiving corps bolstered by the addition of Jeudy, and the hope of Chubb’s eventual return. Additionally, tight end David Njoku remains a reliable target. If Watson regains his form, the Dawg Pound could see explosive performances ahead.
Ceiling/Floor:
Ceiling: 12-5
Floor: 8-9
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Record: 10-7 (2023) - Overall finish: Lost in Wild Card
- Division placement: 3rd - Head Coach: Mike Tomlin (18th season)
- Offense rank: 304.3 yds/G (25/32) - Defense rank: 342.1 yds/G allowed (21/32)
Last year’s overview:
Since the retirement of legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh has faced a recurring issue: a formidable defense overshadowed by an underperforming offense plagued by poor play-calling. Last season, the Steelers set franchise-worst and historically poor offensive statistics and performances due to the underwhelming play of former 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett and the ineffective schemes and play-calling of offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Canada was fired mid-season, a surprising move across the league since the Steelers had not made a mid-season coaching change since 1941. Immediately following his departure, the Steelers gained over 400 yards on offense, a milestone they hadn’t reached since week two of 2020. Despite these challenges, star player T.J. Watt's 19 sacks and solid play from backup quarterback Mason Rudolph, along with a Titans win over Jacksonville, propelled the Steelers into the playoffs. However, missing Watt due to injury and facing a stronger Buffalo team led to their elimination in the wild-card round. A team in pursuit of their seventh Lombardi Trophy is also aiming to break a seven-year playoff losing drought.
New Additions:
The Steelers are looking to resolve their issues at offensive coordinator, with former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith now taking on that role. Smith posted a 21-30 record during his three seasons with Atlanta. However, his tenure as offensive coordinator with the Titans from 2019 to 2020 was noteworthy, as he helped the team lead the league in red zone touchdown percentage, and rank fifth in both points per game and total offense. Mike Tomlin has served as the Steelers' head coach since 2007 and has never experienced a losing season. Highly respected within the organization and by the league, Tomlin's contract has been extended through the 2027 season, a move that has been well-received by Steelers players. Here is a look at what third-year general manager Omar Khan and Tomlin did in free agency and in the draft.
A year ago, Pickett was seen as the heir apparent to Roethlisberger, poised to take on the role of the franchise quarterback for the Steelers. However, things did not unfold as expected. The offense and Pickett's performance deteriorated significantly, and he was hindered by injuries. As a result, he was sidelined and could not regain his form, especially with the offense showing improvement under Rudolph. The team parted ways with Mitchell Trubisky, and with Mason Rudolph becoming a free agent, Khan needed to make a move. He did just that by signing Russell Wilson to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum, a shrewd acquisition that stands out as one of the steals of free agency. Coming off a statistically improved season, Wilson is looking to build on his momentum with a fresh start. The Steelers will pay Wilson less than Trubisky is making to back up Josh Allen in Buffalo, further highlighting what a bargain Wilson is for the team. Wilson at 35 is a clear upgrade over Pickett. However, upon learning of the Wilson acquisition, rumors surfaced about Pickett’s negative reaction, which contributed to the end of his promising stint with the team. He was subsequently traded to the Eagles. Rudolph left for Tennessee, but Khan acquired a promising long-term quarterback solution in Justin Fields from Chicago. The trade involved a 2025 sixth-round pick, which could upgrade to a fourth-rounder depending on Fields' playing time. Tomlin had been impressed with Fields during the pre-draft process, and now Fields has a chance for a fresh start with the Steelers. This opportunity allows him to prove himself as a long-term solution for the team, with a year under Russ expected to be beneficial for his development.
The team also moved on from the inconsistent punter Pressley Harvin and the struggling tackle Chukwuma Okorafor. In place of Harvin, the Steelers made a notable upgrade by signing former Texan Cameron Johnston to a three-year, $9 million deal. Other offensive additions include former Bills quarterback Kyle Allen, former Falcons tight end Mycole Pruitt, wide receiver Van Jefferson, and speedy former Eagles wideout Quez Watkins, all signed to one-year deals. All familiar with Smith, Cordarelle Pattersson also came over from Atlanta on a two-year deal who will likely handle kick return duties.With cornerback Levi Wallace departing, the Steelers acquired Donte Jackson from Carolina in exchange for wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a swap of late-round picks. Jackson signed a restructured one-year deal with the Steelers. While he is expected to outperform Wallace, concerns about his injury history remain. Returning players include special teams ace Miles Killebrew, who signed a two-year deal and also adds depth at safety, and defensive tackle Montravious Adams, re-signed for two years. Adams brings versatility to the defensive line.
On the defensive side, Khan made a huge splash by signing Patrick Queen, the top free agent linebacker from division rival Baltimore, to a three-year, $41 million contract. It was somewhat surprising, as the Steelers typically avoid pursuing top free agents, but Khan's aggressive approach paid off. At 25, Queen is coming off a standout season in which he led all linebackers with 20 pressures and earned second-team All-Pro honors. His addition will help address a position the Steelers have struggled to fill since Ryan Shazier’s devastating injury in 2017. Following the release of Keanu Neal, the Steelers signed former Dolphins safety Deshon Elliott to a two-year, $6 million deal. Elliott will team up with All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. A versatile defender, Elliott can play various roles in the secondary, providing valuable flexibility. Defensive lineman Dean Lowry was brought in on a one-year deal, a depth signing. In his second draft, Khan once again secured exceptional talent, these draft picks have the potential to become cornerstone pieces for the Steelers for years to come. The Steelers needed to address gaps on the offensive line, and first-round tackle Troy Fautanu from Washington, along with second-round center Zach Frazier from West Virginia, are expected to provide the solutions. Two players who could make an immediate impact are third-round picks wide receiver Roman Wilson and linebacker Payton Wilson. Both have the potential to be standout steals in this draft.
Burning Questions for PIT:
With a busy offseason orchestrated by Khan and Tomlin, the Steelers must be pleased with the significant upgrades made to positions of need. This offseason has been unprecedented, with Khan demonstrating a willingness to make bold changes. Trading Pickett after two years, despite his initial status as the franchise quarterback, is a prime example of this fearless approach.
Will the Steelers get an extension done with Cam Heyward?
Can Justin Fields revive his career?
How will Russell Wilson hold up?
Defensive tackle Heyward is entering the final year of his contract and the two sides are still talking. At 35, Heyward has been with Pittsburgh since 2011 and is a three-time first-team All-Pro (2017, 2019, 2021). He recently received the AP Walter Payton Man of the Year award for his remarkable off-field contributions. The organization highly values both his leadership and his performance on the field. He missed half of last season due to a groin injury sustained in week one, and with him already in his mid-30s, Khan faces a crucial decision. This situation is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Fields' three-year stint with Chicago didn't go as he had hoped, but he now has an opportunity to prove he can be a franchise quarterback—something the Steelers are still searching for. Fields has displayed flashes of brilliance and is dynamic with his legs, having accumulated over 1,000 rushing yards in the 2022-23 season. He likely would have surpassed that total this past season if not for injuries. However, he still faces challenges in the passing game, an area that the Steelers coaching staff hope to help him develop and unlock. In Pittsburgh he gets a fresh start with the opportunity to work under a proven offensive coordinator and a highly respected coach, all within an organization renowned for its winning tradition and consistency. He also has familiarity with wide receiver George Pickens.
Given his experience and accolades, it is not surprising to see Russ as the leading candidate to start at quarterback for the Steelers. Tomlin describes the quarterback competition with Wilson in the "pole position" to start. Last season, Wilson threw 26 touchdown passes and just eight interceptions. However, he did not complete the full season due to a contract clause that Denver was unwilling to accept. After a challenging two years with the Broncos, Wilson aims to revive his career in Pittsburgh. He hopes to build a strong rapport with Tomlin and help end the team's seven-year playoff drought. However, there is injury concern due to a calf issue that could hold him back.
The Steelers have faced a tough two years since Roethlisberger's retirement, but with these offseason additions, they are optimistic about getting back on track. With a formidable defense led by Watt, Heyward, and Fitzpatrick, the Steelers also boast talent on offense. The underrated duo of running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, along with the potential emergence of Pickens. If Russ can stay healthy, this team could make significant noise, especially considering they won 10 games last season despite a stagnant offense.
Ceiling/Floor:
Ceiling: 12-5
Floor: 9-8
Cincinnati Bengals
- Record: 9-8 (2023) - Overall finish: Did not qualify for playoffs
- Division placement: 4th - Head Coach: Zac Taylor (6th season)
- Offense rank: 318.9 yds/G (22/32) - Defense rank: 374.6 yds/G allowed (31/32)
Last year’s overview:
After a standout 2021-22 season that saw the Bengals reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 1989, they fell short of victory. However, this appearance has opened the door for the team to pursue their first Super Bowl title in franchise history. This past season, the Bengals faced injuries and defensive struggles, with star quarterback Joe Burrow notably affected. His injuries ultimately sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Despite remaining competitive and holding a wild card spot for several weeks, the Bengals' playoff hopes faltered as backup quarterback Jake Browning’s magic ran out. Ultimately, the team was eliminated from playoff contention.
New Additions:
Cincinnati had several positions to address in the offseason and had to part ways with a few veteran players. Defensive tackle D.J. Reader's departure to Detroit left a gap that will now be filled by Sheldon Rankins. Rankins signed a two-year, $26 million deal, bringing much-needed pass-rushing strength to the team. Tight end Irv Smith Jr. did not meet expectations in Cincinnati, so the team signed Mike Gesicki to a one-year deal to replace him. Gesicki is considered an upgrade at the position, other tight end Drew Sample will be returning on a three-year deal, a player primarily used for pass blocking. The Bengals made a major change at running back by trading seven-year starter Joe Mixon to Houston. In his place, they signed former Colt Zack Moss to a two-year, $8 million deal. Although Moss isn't on Mixon's level, he proved to be a solid performer, ranking among the top rushers last season while filling in for Jonathan Taylor. Cincy will have a new offensive coordinator following Brian Callahan's departure to become head coach in Tennessee. Quarterback coach Dan Pitcher will step into the role.
The Bengals' secondary was a weakness last season, so to address this, the team signed former Ravens safety Geno Stone to a two-year, $15 million contract. Stone ranked second in the league with seven interceptions, proving to be a valuable addition. This acquisition enables defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to shift 2022 first-round pick Dax Hill to cornerback, a move that could be advantageous for Hill's development. A familiar face is making a return: safety Vonn Bell is back on a one-year deal after spending just one season with the Carolina Panthers. A good veteran to have, especially with young defensive backs Jordan Battle and Hill. With former safety Nick Scott released and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie signing with Tennessee, Cincinnati is undergoing a significant overhaul of their secondary, aiming for improved results. Wide receiver Trenton Irwin has re-signed on a one-year deal. Known for his versatility in the slot, Irwin may see increased opportunities with Tyler Boyd's departure.
In the draft, Cincy focused on bolstering their trenches. First-round pick Amarius Mims, a tackle from Georgia, is expected to strengthen pass protection for a healthy Joe Burrow. While a solid addition, Mims does come with an injury history. With former tackle Jonah Williams departing for Arizona, the Bengals’ focus on bolstering their offensive line becomes clearer. In a savvy move, they landed Kris Jenkins, a defensive lineman from Michigan, in the second round. Jenkins is expected to enhance their run defense significantly. In the third round, the Bengals selected wide receiver Jermaine Burton from Alabama. Known for his explosive playmaking ability, Burton has the potential to complement both Burrow and star receiver Ja'Marr Chase effectively.
Burning Questions for CIN:
It’s clear that Joe Burrow’s injuries were a major factor in the Bengals missing the playoffs last season. With Burrow returning at full strength, the Bengals are well-positioned to not only contend for the division title but also to pursue their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history.
What does the future hold for Tee Higgins?
Will Amarius Mims be a long-term answer?
Higgins has been a key contributor to Cincinnati's high-powered offense and is seeking a significant contract. Although he requested a trade back in March, Higgins has since had a change of heart and plans to play for the Bengals this upcoming season. Set to become a free agent after this season, Higgins could be on his way out if the Bengals and his representatives can't agree on an extension.
The offensive line has been a significant weakness for Cincinnati in recent seasons, but head coach Zac Taylor is optimistic that the selection of Amarius Mims could finally provide a key building block for the future. However, Mims has a lengthy injury history and is currently dealing with a pec strain that is expected to sideline him for several weeks. While Trent Brown offers a solid backup option, he is not a long-term solution and may not be dependable week in and week out. Keeping Burrow upright is crucial for Cincinnati's success, and to achieve that, the offensive line must hold firm.
With a healthy Burrow returning and teaming up with Chase, the elite quarterback-wide receiver duo aims to pick up right where they left off, something that fans are eagerly anticipating. The Bengals have demonstrated their ability to compete with the league’s best. The offense is expected to return to its high-performing ways, while the defense aims to improve under the guidance of Anarumo and the underrated Trey Hendrickson. In a fiercely competitive division, the Bengals are poised to reclaim their title as AFC North champions and unseat Baltimore.
Ceiling/Floor:
Ceiling: 13-4
Floor: 9-8