AFC North 2025 Predictions

Division Overview:

The Ravens are the class of the division, but I believe the Bengals aren’t too far behind. I see a precipitous drop off, however, once we come to the Steelers, then another with the Browns. I see a two team race for the division that can go down to the wire.

Ravens

Losses: @ Bills, @ Chiefs, Texans, Rams, @ Bengals, @ Steelers
Everybody’s favorite AFC team, and while I really like them, I have my questions. Will Derrick Henry be able to replicate his success of last season at age 31? Because if not the receiving core will have to take on more responsibility and that is a recipe for a lackluster offensive putout. The defense should be pretty good, but I’m predicting a slight step-back from Henry, which will lead to an offense that, while still very good, will be too reliant on the passing game to a “C” level receiving core.

Bengals

Losses: @ Broncos, Jets, @ Steelers, @ Ravens, @ Bills, @ Dolphins
The defense can’t be worse, right? I think Joe Burrow is in for another great season, and if Ja’Marr Chase isn’t the top pick in your fantasy league you’re doing it wrong. The offense has weapons galore with Chase Brown, Tee Higgins, Chase, Andrei Iosivas, Samaje Perine, Tahj Brooks and a stable of tight ends. I think Shemar Stewart has a good rookie season, and things get worked out with Trey Hendrickson, coupled with a new voice at defensive coordinator and the defense should be better than bottom 3 – hopefully.

Steelers

Wins: Browns, Bengals, Dolphins, @ Browns, Ravens
I’ve been betting against the Steelers, and Aaron Rodgers for years – now I get to do both?? I feel as though Mike Tomlin and the Steelers need a divorce, and it would benefit both incredibly. But football wise, I don’t believe in the formula of getting older across the board and the constant churn of mediocre quarterbacks doesn’t lead to success. I see the ceiling here being 10ish wins, but I lean towards Pittsburgh having its first losing season under Mike Tomlin.

Browns

Win: @ Jets
I just don’t see it. Not a ton of juice at the skill positions on offense, nor do I see very much juice at quarterback. I see the secondary getting picked apart by good quarterbacks and as they say “Dysfunctional teams do dysfunctional things”. This team just seems to be Myles Garrett and a bunch of guys – making him this generation’s Joe Thomas up in Cleveland, completely squandering another all-time great.

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