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AFC North Predictions & Tips - Browns Can End Division Title Drought

leigh-copson
07 Sep 2021
leigh-copson
Leigh Copson 07 Sep 2021
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  • Baltimore +115 favorites to win AFC North
  • Sportsbooks back Ravens to pip Cleveland to division crown
  • Browns +165 to take division ahead of 2020 winners Pittsburgh
    AFC North Predictions & Tips
  • AFC North Predictions & Tips: Baltimore Ravens
  • AFC North Predictions & Tips: Cleveland Browns
  • AFC North Predictions & Tips: Pittsburgh Steelers
  • AFC North Predictions & Tips: Cincinnati Bengals
The Pittsburgh Steelers took the AFC North in 2020, but can they get the better of the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns once again in 2021?

AFC North Predictions & Tips: Baltimore Ravens


Lamar Jackson got his first playoff win last season, but Baltimore quickly fell flat on their faces again.

Despite all of the hype, the Ravens have managed just one postseason win over the past three seasons.

The biggest reason for that poor record is a one-dimensional offense that relies massively on the run game and the rushing ability of Jackson.

When the run game is taken away they struggle, and in 2020 Jackson threw less touchdowns and more picks than he did in 2019.

In response, the Ravens have responded by bolstering the receiving group with Rashod Bateman and Sammy Watkins.

Defensively this is a stout group so if the Ravens can get more from the offense they should contend in 2021.


AFC North Predictions & Tips: Cleveland Browns


After years in the wilderness, Cleveland are contenders once again in the National Football League.

The Browns registered their first postseason win since 1994 and pushed Kansas City in the Divisional Round before bowing out of last season’s playoffs. 

The tandem of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt is one of the best running back pairings in the league.

And of course, Odell Beckham Jr will return from injury to give Baker Mayfield another talented target in the passing game.

The offense needed for success is on the roster, now Cleveland just need the defense to improve in 2021.

There could be as many as nine new starters in this unit, with Greg Newsome II, John Johnson II and Troy Hill the most notable new arrivals.

Pro Bowlers Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward return and they will be hoping to stay healthy after dealing with issues in 2020.

If this defense does improve and the offense fires again, Cleveland could be the best team in the division and they could make a deep postseason run.


AFC North Predictions & Tips: Pittsburgh Steelers


Ben Roethlisberger is back for what is likely to be a ‘farewell’ season, but it may not be a fairytale ending.

The Steelers are not a terrible team by any means. ‘Big Ben’ has an outstanding group of receivers to throw to and draft pick Najee Harris could spark the run game.

The offensive line has its question marks, but if it can hold up then Pittsburgh have the talent to put points on the board.

If they can do that they will win plenty of games because this defense is loaded with talent from front to back.

But can they win enough games to take the AFC North for the second season running? I am not so sure.


AFC North Predictions & Tips: Cincinnati Bengals


Cincinnati are understandably being written off in the race for the AFC North. They have a long way to go before they can rival Baltimore, Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

They could enjoy some improvement in 2021 though, but only if they can protect Joe Burrow this time around.

Burrow looked good despite the lack of protection he got before going down with injury.

He has the weapons around him to make an impression again this season, but if the Bengals cannot keep him upright they will be in trouble.

The win total could improve this season, but not enough to make them contenders in the North.

Verdict

Baltimore are the favorites but Cleveland could be the team to back to win the AFC North.

The offense is loaded and if the defense enjoys an uptick in 2021, they could win their first title since taking the AFC Central back in 1989.

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