The AFC North presents a lot of interesting storylines. From the Bell-Steelers saga to Marvin Lewis never leaving Cincy, the retooled Browns and a possible quarterback controversy in Baltimore, the AFC North presents an opportunity for mayhem. With that being said, let’s see where I have the AFC North stacking up in yet another divisional preview!

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

Much like the Patriots have been in the AFC East, the Steelers are the kings of the North. Bringing back an always high-powered offense that ranked 3rd last season and a defense that was 5th in the NFL makes for the perfect recipe for success. The relationship between Le’Veon Bell and Pittsburgh is most likely in its final season, but this has never led to a lack of hard play from Bell. Although losing pieces Robert Golden and William Gay don’t help the secondary, the Steelers have the depth to make up for it. Any offense led by Big Ben featuring Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown and Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster makes a team deadly, and having two receiving tight ends makes the Steelers that much more dangerous. Add a Top 5 offensive line and there aren’t many holes on this Steelers team. I expect yet another great regular season run followed by a deep playoff run for Pittsburgh.

Ceiling: 13 wins

Floor: 11 wins

Key Games: Wk 11 @Jaguars, Wk 15 vs.Patriots

2. Baltimore Ravens (10-6)

The Ravens have always injected a culture of defense into Baltimore, and that was no different last year. However, their lackluster offense and a miracle throw by Andy Dalton led to the Ravens missing the playoffs by just a game last season. The Ravens didn’t make any big moves on defense, so expect the same tough, gritty defense seen a year ago. I love what they did on offense. The Ravens went all out in the passing game, signing WRs Michael Crabtree, Willie Snead, and John Brown. With the exciting Lamar Jackson waiting in the wings at quarterback, Joe Flacco has all the tools he needs to prove he still has it. Honestly, not a bad career for Flacco, winning a Super Bowl and then returning to mediocrity while keeping the job based off of his one ring. Flacco needs to return to an above average level if he wants to keep his starting role. Surprisingly, the offense may hinge on the health of RG Marshal Yanda, who has arguably been the best guard in football the past few years. With Yanda missing last season, Flacco was constantly under pressure and was forced to check down more than letting it fly. If only Baltimore had a guy that could make big throws while also avoiding sacks… hmmm… all I’m saying is watch out Flacco. Overall, the Ravens should see themselves back in the playoffs this year.

Ceiling: 11 wins

Floor: 7 wins

Key Games: Wk 4 @Steelers, Wk 16 @Chargers

3. Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)

Nothing about the Bengals this season is exciting. At least the Browns went out and got better. The Bengals really didn’t do much where they needed to. Although they did improve a slightly below average defense with Chris Baker and Preston Brown, the offense that ranked dead last in yards per game last season made no improvements. I don’t hate the running back group, but I like them more in the passing game than on the ground with a pretty bad offensive line. Having AJ Green, Tyler Eifert, and Tyler Kroft may give Andy Dalton enough weapons to win 6 or 7 games, but overall the Bengals don’t provide much. Perhaps the worst move made by Cincy was bringing back Marvin Lewis to coach yet again. Lewis provides the Bengals with a culture of bad football and often times doesn’t seem to have control of players (but who really can control Vontaze Burfict?). I forecast the Bengals to once again hang around the middle to bottom half of the AFC.

Ceiling: 7 wins

Floor: 4 wins

Key Games: Wk 1@Colts, Wk 7@Chiefs

4. Cleveland Browns (6-10)

Maybe I’m wrong about Cleveland. I hesitate because last season I saw the Browns winning 5-6 games and they ended up with a big, fat 0. Maybe the Browns should be higher than the Bengals after they went out and made improvements where they needed to. And hey, they can’t get any worse. Enough Browns trash talk. They made moves. They got better. Adding QBs Tyrod Taylor and Baker Mayfield gives Cleveland legitimate options. RB Carlos Hyde and WR Jarvis Landry add to the weapons they have to play with. Nick Chubb and Duke Johnson make a great backfield. The only problem I see is that with a quarterback like Tyrod Taylor, he needs more weapons. If Josh Gordan doesn’t play, and with Antonio Callaway now battling legal problems, Jarvis Landry is the only big-time receiver the Browns have. On defense, Cleveland is young and hungry, building a very solid foundation. I guess my biggest reason for hesitating is I just don’t see a team that didn’t win a game last year making that big of a jump into a playoff situation. However, the Browns are certainly headed in the right direction.

Ceiling: 7 wins

Floor: 3 wins