We are counting down the days until the start of the 2024 NFL Season as training camps have begun for all NFL teams. There were some major switch ups this offseason regarding big names moving to new teams and legendary coaches – Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll – being relieved of their duties. On top of that, tons of franchise players were taken in the draft. Let’s get caught up with our 2024 AFC North preview.
Last Year
Talk about playing in a tough division. The AFC North was relentless in 2023. Each team finished over .500 and what was more impressive was that the Ravens somehow managed 13 wins and took home the first overall seed into the postseason. Where Baltimore stumbled was when they had to play the Chiefs in the conference championship. Their offense completely disappeared, and MVP winner Lamar Jackson and his cast managed just 10 total points. Right behind them were the Cleveland Browns who lost both Nick Chubb and Deshuan Watson but were led into the postseason by Joe Flacco who was great until the playoffs when he threw away the game for the Browns. The Bengals were hit and miss early in the year and then couldn’t mount any real success without Joe Burrow who was lost to a season-ending injury. The Steelers were just average which resulted in a few big trades this offseason and one impactful signing.
Favorite to win in 2024
The Cleveland Browns are ready to take that step as the best team in the North and if Deshaun Watson can just play at about 75% of the guy he was in Houston, they should win plenty of games. They added receivers for him this offseason and will get Chubb back. This defense is the real deal and can shut down divisional opponents. The Ravens will be right there giving the Browns a run for their money.
Offensive Player to Watch: Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson is on team number three but this time it comes at the vet minimum salary and this might be his final shot at winning as a starter. He burned out of Seattle and flopped in Denver but has one last crack at it with Mike Tomlin as his head coach. The offensive line and receiving corps aren’t necessarily impressive and Justin Fields will be breathing down his neck, ready for any stumble.
Defensive Player to Watch: Myles Garrett
Sorry T.J. Watt, but we are going with the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year here. If the Browns are going to win this season, Myles Garrett will play a big role in that success. He got his first DPOY award under his belt last season, but you know that Watt is never far behind.
Prediction
It’s going to be a close fight to the very end with every team in this division and there is no counting out Joe Burrow, but I think Cleveland gets the job done. Record (11-6)