It was an interesting year in the AFC North division. The Baltimore Ravens looked like legit Super Bowl contenders until they weren’t. The Lamar Jackson-led Ravens can’t seem to break through in the postseason and eventually, you must look at the head coach. The same can be said for the Steelers who haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season. The Bengals were technically still alive come Week 18, but this season had a lot of issues, and their defense was a major stain. As for the Browns, nothing went right. Their QB situation is a nightmare, and Kevin Stefanski is lucky to still have a job. Here’s our 2025 AFC North team needs analysis.
Cleveland Browns
Needs: QB, OT, EDGE, RB
The Browns have a major issue with Deshaun Watson. First off, he got hurt and then hurt himself again during rehab. The Browns must be racking their brains on how to get out of his terrible contrast which is guaranteed through any loophole possible. The second big issue is that Watson has been downright terrible. He is no longer a top 25 QB in this league. The Browns have the second overall pick which means they get a crack at the second-best QB. They could look at what the Washington Commanders did this year and hope the same happens for them. Their whole roster needs help, but until you figure out the QB, everything else is on pause.
Cincinnati Bengals
Needs: WR, TE, CB, EDGE
Poor Joe Burrow. This guy could have won the MVP had the Bengals just been a few games better. He had the best statistical season of his career, and the Bengals were still unable to make the postseason. Cincy needs major help defensively. It appears that NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson might be traded, their cornerbacks couldn’t stop water in a desert, and they aren’t going anywhere until that side of the ball is fixed. Offense isn’t as simple either with receiver Tee Higgins commanding real cash unless they apply a franchise tag on him and the tight end position needing an upgrade in free agency. The Bengals don’t have a great pick but have plenty of needs.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Needs: QB, CB, RB, WR
The assumption is that Russell Wilson will return on some sort of deal to the Steelers after putting up above-average numbers for the games that he played in. The Steelers are going to need to take a long, hard look at the wide receiver position where George Pickens seemed to be their only legit target, and he does something to cost his team every single game. Najee Harris is a free agent and could very well walk in free agency to the highest bidder while the back half of their secondary is where most of their cash should be headed.
Baltimore Ravens
Needs: OT, WR, EDGE, S
The Ravens are a good team in a great spot, but they have to figure out how to get over the hump in the postseason, which they have been unable to do with Lamar Jackson under center. Things go off the rails every time they hit the postseason, and it must be determined why. Adding a top-tier receiver would be a good idea. Improving their defense is another way to improve. They have several great pieces on that side, but an additional edge rusher would give them the pressure they need to get after the elite QBs they must face in the AFC. Give Mahomes and Allen a reason to feel the heat and then see if Jackson can finally make it to the Super Bowl.