Always a tough division, defending AFC champion Bengals, ever reliable Ravens, Mike Tomlins Steelers & the unpredictable Cleveland Browns
1). Cincinnati Bengals - despite a questionable O-Line Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Joe Mixon, Tyler Boyd & Tee Higgins made it all the way to the big dance last season. They added Trey Hendrickson & drafted Can Taylor Britt to strengthen the defence & have arguably the best safety duo in the NFL in Vonn Bell & Jessie Bates. Still some questions but they should have enough to win the division.
2). Baltimore Ravens - a rare poor season last year & the loss of Hollywood Brown isn’t great. The offensive threat will be Lamar Jackson & if Marlon Humphrey bounces back he can improve the defence alongside Marcus Peters. Rare for John Harbaugh to struggle two years straight so playoff contender for me.
3). Pittsburgh steelers - Najee Harris will be the heartbeat if this offence, QB is looking like Mitchell Trubisky with rookie Kenny Pickett waiting in the wings. Uncertainty at QB is never great, coupled with the loss is Smith-Schuster to Kansas City leaves a lot on the shoulders of Diontae Johnson. Defence strong as always with the excellent TJ Watt joined by Myles Jack & the outstanding Minkah Fitzpatrick at safety. They will be in a lot of games late & if the offence can finish the job the playoff places are definitely possible.
4). Cleveland Browns - uncertainty again is threatening to disrupt the Browns season after acquiring deShaun Watson in a trade with the Texans. As it stands he’s banned for 6 games with an NFL appeal underway to increase this, meantime Jacoby Brissett is the guy. Talent all over the field in Nick Chubb RB, Amari Cooper, Don Peoples & David Njoku as pass catchers as well as the excellent Myles Garrett & Jadevon Clowney on defence mean this team could do anything. I think it’s one year early with the Watson uncertainty so the best 4th place team outside the AFC West for me.
Comments