The Browns have made some upgrades to the roster this season, but how will they stack up against the rest of the AFC North? Bruce and Gene bring you the "All Bets Are Off" AFC North predictions.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
It’s easy to write off the Ravens after losing Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Anquan Boldin, but the Ravens aren’t rebuilding. They’ve already reloaded on defense, which was ranked 17th last season.
They have upgraded the pass rush, adding Elvis Dumervil from Denver, defensive lineman Chris Canty and inside linebacker Daryl Smith to help replace Lewis and Paul Kruger.
There are concerns about the offense, especially after losing Joe Flacco’s favorite target in tight end Dennis Pitta, who is on the IR with a dislocated hip. However, Flacco still has playmakers in running back Ray Rice and wide receiver Torrey Smith. We will now find out if Flacco is an elite QB in the NFL. He was paid in the off-season and now will be looked upon to lead the Ravens.
Baltimore will play the toughest schedule of the AFC North teams, but the Ravens have done enough this offseason to keep them as the favorites to win a third straight AFC North title.
Predicted finish in AFC North: First
CINCINNATI BENGALS
If the Bengals make the playoffs, it would be for a third straight year, something that has never been accomplished for a franchise since 1968. They are a young team, but they look ready to take the next step and surpass the Ravens atop of the AFC North.
The defense is championship caliber. The front four ranks among the best in the AFC North, if not the entire league. With the addition of James Harrison, Cincy now features two ferocious hitters in Harrison and Vontaze Burfict. A number of experts see the Bengals making the post season based solely on the defense.
It will be up to quarterback Andy Dalton to shine since the Bengals have put together a nice supporting cast around him in wide receiver A.J. Green, two draft picks, tight end Tyler Eifert and running back Giovani Bernard.
Predicted finish in AFC North: Second
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Will the Steelers be .500 this season? It’s a legitimate question. Mike Tomlin has a Super Bowl ring and four post season births, but last year’s failure to make the playoffs could put a bulls-eye on his back.
The offense could be better under Todd Haley, who is in this 2nd season as offensive coordinator. It looks like Haley and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger have a better relationship, but a young offensive line could have them at each other again. The offensive line has been poor in the preseason and without a true number one or two at running back, the pressure will be on Big Ben. Pittsburgh lost Mike Wallace in free agency, so Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown will have to carry that group. Don’t forget, Heath Miller is currently injured and will miss at least the first couple of games.
The defense has allowed the fewest yards in the NFL the past two seasons, but they don’t cause turnovers. Troy Polamalu, if healthy, will likely be a huge factor.
Predicted finish in AFC North: Third
CLEVELAND BROWNS
The Browns will end up being the most improved team in the AFC North and could finish last. That's how tough this division has become. The goal for the Browns would be to reach .500, but there are still many holes.
The offense will be more explosive under coordinator Norv Turner, and Trent Richardson can be a top-five running back if he remains healthy.
On defense, the Browns invested $35 million in guaranteed money in linebacker Paul Kruger and defensive lineman Desmond Bryant in free agency. There’s no doubt that the Browns will be more disruptive on defense.
This has the look of a sixth straight double-digit-loss season, even though this team will be better than the previous ones.
Predicted finish in AFC North: Fourth
