Who Will Win the AFC North in 2025-26?
The AFC North is one of the most storied divisions in the history of the NFL. A lot of the appreciation for this division goes with the fact that fans, players, and coaches of each other’s respected teams absolutely despise each other. Though it can undoubtedly be stated that some fans of all teams hate their divisional opponents, what makes this rivalry different is the players’ disdain for one another. Whether it’s the Battle of Ohio between the Bengals and Browns, the Ravens-Steelers rivalry that saw three playoff matchups between 2008-14 or the Browns and Ravens, a deep-rooted rivalry that stems from when the Browns’ former owner moved the franchise to Baltimore and left Cleveland without a team until 1999, there’s always been bad blood in the AFC North. All four teams will look to secure the coveted AFC North Division championship this season to guarantee a home playoff game, but here’s a prediction on how it will go down.
Cincinnati Bengals (11-6)
This might be seen as an overreaction given the Bengals’ 2024 campaign, but hear me out on this one. The Bengals’ biggest deterrent, by a Grand Canyon-sized margin, was the defense. After finishing eighth-worst in the league in both points scored and yards allowed, Lou Anarumo was fired after six seasons as the defensive coordinator. Cincinnati hired Al Golden, who has coached Notre Dame’s elite defense since 2022, to replace Anarumo. If Golden can even get even a small improvement over the defense from last season, elite signal-caller Joe Burrow should be able to lead this team to two more wins than last year. Keep in mind that three of the Bengals’ top-four draft picks were defensive players: EDGE Shemar Stewart at 17th overall, linebacker Demetrius Knight at 49th overall, and linebacker Barrett Carter at 119th overall. If the team’s young defense can finally take the next step, then the Bengals could become a force to be reckoned with in the AFC yet again.
Baltimore Ravens (11-6)
The last thing the Ravens need is more bulletin board material. No one in their right mind is picking this team to have a losing record or even miss the playoffs. This season might come down to the luck of the draw, though. Five of their first six games are against playoff teams, including road games against the Bills and Chiefs. After that diabolical stretch, they have a bye week in Week Seven, which would be all fine and good, but that means a run-heavy team is going to try to rush the ball 30-plus times for 10 games straight. Also, the Ravens play four of their divisional games in the final six weeks, leaving no room for error in a cold-weather division that will leave teams bruised and battered. My prediction is for the Ravens to be the top Wild Card team in the AFC with another impressive season from Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Co.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8)
Another year, another season with Mike Tomlin keeping his winning-season streak alive. Thankfully for Steelers fans, they don’t have to rely on Mason Rudolph to play competitive football games on national TV. However, Aaron Rodgers will have to prove he’s more than just ‘a guy’ at this point in his career. At 41 years old, Rodgers has done just about all you can do in an NFL career and signed a one-year, $13.65 contract with Pittsburgh about a week and a half ago. Alas, the four-time MVP isn’t expected to win number five this year, projecting to be a game manager from a mediocre Pittsburgh offense consisting of Jaylen Warren, D.K. Metcalf, and Pat Freiermuth. The defense will again be the bright spot in an otherwise middling team and win the team some games that they should lose. On the other hand, the team will have offensive blunders that will cost them some games that they should win.
Cleveland Browns (4-13)
With about as tumultuous an offseason as can be, the Browns aren’t expected to do anything this year. After convincing Myles Garrett to stay in Cleveland after he formally requested a trade, all didn’t look bad until an absolutely head-scratching draft made NFL headlines. After passing on projected first-round pick Shedeur Sanders several times, the team drafted Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round, but then took Sanders two rounds later at 144th overall, leaving concerned looks on the faces of fans and Browns front office personnel alike. With five quarterbacks on the roster, it’s hard to predict who will even be taking a majority of the snaps, and whoever does will be working with one of the least talented offenses in the league. Jerome Ford at running back has yet to eclipse 50 rushing yards per game in a season, and Jerry Jeudy finally achieved his first season with at least 1,000 receiving yards, but will have to prove that he wasn’t a one-year wonder. The offense is a question mark, and the defense couldn’t even perform well last year with Garrett being a First-Team All-Pro. Look for this to be another rebuilding year for Cleveland.
