AFC North Showdown: Ravens Lead, Steelers Revamp with Rodgers, Bengals and Browns Face Challenges

July 17, 2025
AFC North Showdown: Ravens Lead, Steelers Revamp with Rodgers, Bengals and Browns Face Challenges
  • The Browns are considered a wild card, with a revamped quarterback situation involving veterans and rookies, offering potential for surprising performances despite a low win projection of 4.5.

  • The Browns are seen as a long shot in 2025, with offensive limitations and a projected last-place finish, though their defense remains a bright spot.

  • There is significant pressure on Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to lead a deep playoff run, with failure potentially leading to major organizational changes.

  • The AFC North in 2025 is highly competitive, featuring the Steelers, Browns, Ravens, and Bengals, each with strong reasons to contend for the division title.

  • The Baltimore Ravens are considered the division's top team, with an expected 11.5 wins driven by Lamar Jackson's improvement, DeAndre Hopkins' addition, and a robust running game led by Derrick Henry.

  • While the Ravens are favored, the Steelers, Bengals, and Browns also have significant aspirations, with the Steelers acquiring quarterback Aaron Rodgers to bolster their offense.

  • The Steelers are undergoing an offensive overhaul and face a key decision regarding star defensive end TJ Watt's future, aiming to improve their playoff chances with Rodgers at quarterback.

  • The Steelers' win projection is set at 8.5, with analysts divided on whether they will surpass or fall short of that mark.

  • The Cincinnati Bengals are projected to struggle with around 9.5 wins, as concerns about their defense persist despite an explosive offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase.

  • Analysts predict a potential regression for the Bengals after a disappointing previous season, casting doubt on their ability to improve.

  • The Browns, despite a strong defense under Jim Schwartz, face uncertainties at quarterback and offensive line, with a low win projection of 4.5 and a record forecast of 3-14.

Summary based on 2 sources


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