AFC North Divisional Preview & Predictions

The AFC North has always been one of the NFL’s most physical, unforgiving divisions, built on rivalries where no one gives an inch. The Steelers are the historic benchmark, the Ravens have dominated stretches since the early 2000s, and the Bengals have climbed back into perennial contention behind Joe Burrow. Even with the Browns’ never-ending search for stability, this is a division that regularly produces playoff-caliber teams.

This year, the top and bottom seem fairly clear, but the middle feels unsettled. The Ravens are loaded and favored, while the Steelers and Bengals appear headed for a fight to claim second place. Let’s break it down.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens enter 2025 with one of the league’s deepest and most balanced rosters. Lamar Jackson returns after an MVP-level season that ended in a heartbreaking playoff loss when Mark Andrews dropped a potential game-tying two-point conversion. Jackson has used that moment as fuel all offseason, and the organization is banking on his fire carrying into this campaign.

While Jackson and Derrick Henry dominate headlines, the defense might be the true strength of this team. Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith are already All-Pro caliber players, and Baltimore added impact rookies Malaki Starks and Mike Green to further strengthen an already loaded unit. Few teams have the mix of playmakers the Ravens can deploy at every level of their defense.

Can Jaire Alexander Be a Difference Maker?

Jaire Alexander’s career has been a mix of elite play, injuries, and off-field friction. At his peak, he was one of the best coverage corners in football. At his lowest, injuries and ego soured his time in Green Bay. Knee issues have already flared up during the preseason, but if Alexander can return even 80 percent of his old form, the Ravens could unleash a dominant secondary with Marlon Humphrey and Hamilton playing versatile roles.

The risk is obvious as both Alexander and rookie Nate Wiggins carry durability concerns. If they stay healthy, though, Baltimore’s secondary could be among the league’s best.

Does Mark Andrews Hold His Starting Job?

Andrews’ postseason ended with that costly drop against Buffalo, a play that drew disproportionate criticism but still raised uncomfortable questions about his future. Age and injuries are beginning to catch up with him. His speed has dipped, his separation is limited, and while his size still makes him valuable in contested situations, he is clearly on the back end of his career.

Isaiah Likely, on the other hand, looks ready to take over. He brings more upside in the passing game, though his blocking is not at Andrews’ level. The transition may not happen immediately, but the torch is close to being passed.

The Verdict

This roster is at least as good as last year’s, and Jackson looks poised to take his squad even farther. The Ravens are as safe a Super Bowl contender as you’ll find in the AFC.

2025 Projected Record: 13–4 (Season O/U: 10.5)
2025 AFC North Projection: 1st

Pittsburgh Steelers

Yes, the Steelers slot in ahead of the Bengals. Here’s why: they have playmakers everywhere, particularly on defense.

Aaron Rodgers arrives after a rough season with the Jets, but Pittsburgh’s system suits him better. A deep tight end room gives him easy targets across the middle, and DK Metcalf stretches defenses vertically. If Rodgers can stay on script, he has the tools to run this offense effectively.

The defense is the real reason for optimism. Once Derrick Harmon returns from injury, the Steelers boast one of the best front sevens in football, anchored by T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Cam Heyward. On the back end, the trio of Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., and Darius Slay forms a secondary with few weaknesses. This unit can stop the run, pressure quarterbacks, and take away receivers, which serves as the perfect recipe to win tight AFC North games.

Will Kaleb Johnson Take Over at Running Back?

Jaylen Warren has been a pleasant surprise and just signed a two-year extension, but his ceiling is clear. He’s a strong third-down option and pass protector but not the every-down workhorse Mike Tomlin usually prefers.

Enter rookie Kaleb Johnson out of Iowa. A physical back with excellent balance and vision, Johnson profiles as a bellcow who can handle early-down carries. Expect him to carve out a goal-line and short-yardage role early, then push Warren for a bigger share as the season progresses.

Is Aaron Rodgers Still Locked In?

Rodgers’ talent is undeniable, but his commitment is less certain. Retirement talk has hovered for years, and his off-field distractions have been frequent. Pittsburgh’s scheme will demand him to read defenses and work through progressions, not just rely on one-read throws.

Mike Tomlin has a proven track record managing personalities, and if anyone can keep Rodgers focused, it is him. But Rodgers’ buy-in is the key variable for this team’s ceiling.

The Verdict

This is a classic boom-or-bust situation. If Rodgers is engaged and healthy, paired with a championship-caliber defense, Pittsburgh can absolutely compete for a playoff spot. If not, they could stumble.

2025 Projected Record: 9–8 (Season O/U: 8.5)
2025 AFC North Projection: 2nd

Cincinnati Bengals

Another year, another question of whether Joe Burrow’s brilliance will be wasted.

Burrow remains elite, Ja’Marr Chase is one of the game’s most dangerous receivers, and Tee Higgins is the best #2 receiver in the NFL. The weapons are there, but the defense is the concern, and it looks almost unchanged from last year’s unit that was one of the league’s worst.

The good news is they recently signed the team’s best defensive player, Trey Hendrickson, but there just weren’t enough improvements on that side of the ball to feel confident the Bengals’ defense will be any better in 2025.

Does Trey Hendrickson Get Traded?

Hendrickson has been one of the NFL’s most productive pass rushers, but contract disputes have soured the relationship. He’s back on the field for now with a short-term raise, but all signs point to his departure after the season. Unless the Bengals are firmly in the Super Bowl hunt, they may need to trade him before the deadline to salvage value.

Can the Offensive Line Protect Burrow?

Burrow was sacked 48 times last season, the second-highest total of his career. This year’s line looks only marginally better on paper, which is troubling considering Burrow’s injury history. With a shaky defense, the Bengals will likely need to lean heavily on their passing game, meaning Burrow will again be under constant pressure. That formula risks both wins and his health.

The Verdict

Burrow and Chase will always give Cincinnati a chance, but the flaws are glaring. A tough schedule only adds to the challenge. Unless things break right, Zac Taylor could be out of a job when this season ends.

2025 Projected Record: 8–9 (Season O/U: 9.5)
2025 AFC North Projection: 3rd

Cleveland Browns

The Browns remain a franchise in search of direction, especially at quarterback.

Who’s the Quarterback?

Joe Flacco is penciled in as the Week 1 starter, but Dillon Gabriel looked more consistent in the preseason. Shedeur Sanders struggled, though his pedigree and social following keep him in the spotlight.

If Cleveland stumbles early, expect a change. Gabriel, as the more coachable and NFL-ready prospect, could get the nod by midseason. Sanders may remain a project. Flacco is unlikely to hold the job beyond the first couple of months. That infamous “Browns QB jersey” with all the names stitched on? Add a few more by December.

Can Mason Graham Win Defensive Rookie of the Year?

One bright spot is rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham, one of the most talented defensive prospects in this draft class. Since 2000, only three interior linemen have won DROY (Ndamukong Suh, Sheldon Richardson, Aaron Donald). Graham faces long odds, but he has the tools to make noise.

The Browns’ poor offense means opponents will run often to control the clock. With Myles Garrett commanding double teams off the edge, Graham should have plenty of opportunities to rack up tackles and showcase his disruptive ability. He is a legitimate sleeper pick for DROY.

The Verdict

This is another lost year for Cleveland. The quarterback carousel spins again, the roster lacks depth, and the AFC North is simply too strong.

2025 Projected Record: 3–14 (Season O/U: 4.5)
2025 AFC North Projection: 4th

Final Thoughts

The Ravens are the clear class of the AFC North and one of the AFC’s top Super Bowl contenders. Behind them, the Steelers and Bengals will battle for second place, with Pittsburgh’s defense giving them a slight edge. The Browns, meanwhile, are mired in another rebuilding year. Unless Lamar Jackson goes down, Baltimore should own this division in 2025.

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