How the dynamics of the AFC North will challenge the Steelers this season
The AFC North is set to be one of the most competitive divisions in the 2024 NFL season, renowned for its heated rivalries and star quarterbacks.
With each team making significant moves in the offseason, the battle for the division title promises to be intense. The Steelers made some big moves that should make them a viable team to contend in the AFC North, a division where all four teams had a winning record last season.
How does playing in this division impact the Steelers as opposed to teams in other divisions? Let’s have a look.
Ravens’ 2023 Dominance
The Baltimore Ravens emerged as the AFC North champions for the first time since 2019, finishing the 2023 season with an impressive 13-4 record. They showcased their dominance by making it to the AFC Championship Game but ultimately fell short of making the Super Bowl with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In preparation for the 2024 season, the Ravens added a potential future Hall of Fame running back in Derrick Henry, forming a formidable backfield duo with reigning MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.
However, they face challenges on the offensive line, losing several key players such as guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson, plus tackle Morgan Moses. Their replacements are second-round rookie tackle Roger Rosengarten and veteran Josh Jones, along with a stable of unproven options such as Ben Cleveland, Daniel Faalele, and Andrew Vorhees. The offense also lost long-time running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, WR Odell Beckham Jr., and backup QB Tyler Huntley.
The Ravens’ defense also saw significant changes, losing a significant contributor in LB Patrick Queen who signed with the Steelers during free agency. They will also have to deal with the departures of cornerbacks Ronald Darby and Rock Ya-Sin, S Geno Stone, and edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald also left to take the head coaching position of the Seattle Seahawks, prompting the promotion of inside linebackers coach Zach Orr to fill the role.
The Ravens hope to have reloaded their defense through the draft, relying on recent middle round picks to replace Queen and Clowney, along with 33-year-old Kyle Van Noy.
Bengals’ Struggles and Prospects
The Cincinnati Bengals faced a challenging 2023 season, finishing with a 9-8 record. Quarterback Joe Burrow’s wrist injury, which sidelined him for seven games, significantly impacted their performance. Despite the efforts of backup quarterback Jake Browning, the Bengals narrowly missed the playoffs and somehow finished at the bottom of the division, despite a winning record.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Bengals will benefit from the return of Joe Burrow, along with star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The addition of rookie Jermain Burton and tight end Mike Gesicki further strengthens their offensive lineup. Although they traded running back Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans, free agent acquisition Zack Moss is expected to fill the void in the backfield.
Otherwise, the Bengals had a quiet offseason, returning 8 starters on offense and 9 on defense. Adding Sheldon Rankins and drafting Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson should make up for the loss of D.J. Reader and Josh Tupou. Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson return as a formidable duo of inside linebackers.
Safety Vonn Bell returns alongside another player poached from the Ravens to a division rival in Geno Stone. While the the two safeties should shore up the defensive backfield, the 2022 first-round pick Dax Hill will move to cornerback to complete with Cam Taylor-Britt and D.J. Turner for playing time after Chidobe Awuzie left this spring.
Nevertheless, with Burrow at the helm, Cincinnati aims to contend with the Ravens for the AFC North title.
Browns’ Dark Horse Potential
The Cleveland Browns concluded the 2023 season with an 11-6 record, landing them in the playoffs after a two-year hiatus. The return of Nick Chubb and Deshaun Watson is expected to bolster their offensive capabilities but there are still questions surrounding each player’s health and durability.
The acquisition of WR Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos enhances their receiving corps which features Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore. TE David Njoku caught career highs in passes, yards, and touchdowns, but also led the team in dropped passes.
The Browns offensive line still has talent, but also has three tackles all returning from various knee injuries. The team also lost OL coach Bill Callahan, who joined the Tennessee Titans with his son, and former Bengals OC, Brian Callahan.
The Browns boasted a tenacious defense in 2023 with standout players like Myles Garrett, Za’Darius Smith, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and Denzel Ward, while adding LB Jordan Hicks. The unit has the potential to be among the best in football and will be crucial in keeping the Browns competitive.
However, concerns remain about Watson, who has struggled to regain his Pro Bowl form since being acquired from the Houston Texans. His performance will be pivotal in determining the Browns’ success in the upcoming season.
Steelers’ Offseason Overhaul
The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2023 season with a 10-7 record, despite inconsistent quarterback play from Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky. Mason Rudolph provided enough at the position over the last three games to drag the team over the finish line and into the playoffs. However, all three passers were replaced, as Rudolph and Trubisky left in free agency and the team traded Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles.
In their place, the Steelers signed former Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson and traded for Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears, marking potential upgrades. Head coach Mike Tomlin has indicated that the veteran Wilson will start. The Steelers also traded WR Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, while third-year pro George Pickens is expected to have a breakout year in his place.
On defense, Keeanu Benton and Joey Porter Jr. will enter their second year after impressive rookie seasons. The Steelers added former Ravens Patrick Queen and S DeShon Elliott, addressing critical needs. With star defensive playmakers T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick staying healthy, Pittsburgh could deploy their most balanced squad in years.
This gives Steelers fans a glimmer of hope, focusing not only on the team’s performance but also on the lucrative sports betting promos available, which add an extra layer of excitement to the classic AFC North showdowns.
AFC North Outlook
The AFC North is renowned for its intense rivalries and historic competitiveness. The only team yet to win a championship in the division is the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens, Bengals, and Steelers have all claimed division titles in recent years, highlighting the division’s parity.
The Ravens’ 2023 title marked their first since 2019. The Bengals previously won the division in 2021 and 2022, while the Steelers took the title four times between 2014 and 2020. This year, any of these teams could emerge victorious, given their offseason improvements and star-studded rosters:
- With a balanced and complete roster, the Ravens are slight favorites to repeat as AFC North champions. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry’s dynamic duo will be central to their success.
- The Bengals are poised to challenge the Ravens for the division crown, provided Joe Burrow remains healthy. Their offensive weapons and improvements give them a strong chance to reclaim the title.
- The Browns, despite concerns about Deshaun Watson, have the talent to compete for a Wild Card spot. Their elite defense and key offensive additions make them a dark horse in the division.
- The Steelers, with significant upgrades at quarterback and key defensive reinforcements, could surprise many by clinching their first division title since 2020. If their new quarterbacks perform well, Pittsburgh will be a formidable contender.
The AFC North is set for a thrilling 2024 season. With each team making strategic moves to enhance their rosters, it should make the division one of the most competitive in the NFL.
For the Steelers, the combination of new quarterbacks, a breakout year for George Pickens, and a strengthened defense could lead to a successful season. Steelers supporters are not just focused on the team’s performance but also on the lucrative sports betting promos available, adding an extra layer of excitement to the classic AFC North showdowns.
The 2024 season promises to be an exciting one for the AFC North, with each team vying for supremacy in one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions.
