Written by The Judge
Cincinnati Bengals
2021 Record: 10-7-0 (4-2-0)
Cincinnati is determined to prove that its run to the Super Bowl was no one hit wonder.
The Bengals have gone heavy on additions to their offensive line, hoping to improve an abysmal line from last season. An improved offensive line would also give Joe Burrow more chances to make plays with his trio of dynamic receivers, including rookie standout Ja’Marr Chase. If Cincinnati can show improvement on its offensive line and defensive secondary, they will have another chance to compete for a Super Bowl.
It will be a difficult road back because the AFC North is heavy at the top.
Notable offseason additions
Alex Cappa, G
Ted Karras, C
La’el Collins, OT
Draft Picks
Regular Season Wins: O/U 9.5
To Win Division: 9/4
To Win Super Bowl: 22/1
Pittsburgh Steelers
2021 Record: 9-7-1 (4-2-0)
The most obvious question for the Steelers is who will replace 18-year veteran Ben Roethlisberger. Bringing in Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett will make for an interesting quarterback room and summer competition with Mason Rudolph. This season could offer some challenges to a rebuilding Steelers team that also will experience some turnover at multiple coaching positions and in the front office. Even with all the uncertainty, Pittsburgh has enough young talent with the likes of Najee Harris and T.J. Watt to expedite the rebuilding process.
Notable offseason additions
Mitch Trubisky, QB
Myles Jack, LB
Levi Wallace, CB
Draft Picks
Regular Season Wins: O/U 7.5
To Win Division: 8/1
To Win Super Bowl: 70/1
Cleveland Browns
2021 Record: 8-9-0 (3-3-0)
There are few words appropriate for print to describe the Browns’ 2021 season, but let’s just leave it at disaster. Cleveland addressed the Baker Mayfield situation, but its solution may come with its own problems as the status of Deshaun Watson remains in question. The Browns just locked up Clowney for another year as it looks to keep all its talent on the defensive line. While the reshuffling on offense could include some growing pains, the reshuffle will include seasoned vets with some serious talent. If Watson can avoid suspension, the Browns will have a chance to return to the playoffs after missing last year.
Notable offseason additions
Deshaun Watson, QB
Amari Cooper, WR
Chase Winovich, DE
Jadeveon Clowney, DE
Draft Picks
Regular Season Wins: N/A
To Win Division: 9/5
To Win Super Bowl: 18/1
Baltimore Ravens
2021 Record: 8-9-0 (1-5-0)
Baltimore has made moves to improve its defensive secondary and interiors on both sides of the ball. Even with these moves, the Ravens will go as Lamar Jackson goes. Coming off a season in which Jackson was sidelined for five games, the Ravens will need their superstar quarterback to remain healthy if they hope to hang around at the top of this competitive division. A healthy returning squad, along with an exciting draft haul, gives optimism that Baltimore can play to their potential in 2022.
Notable offseason additions
Morgan Moses, OT
Michael Pierce, NT
Marcus Williams, S
Draft Picks
Regular Season Wins: O/U 9.5
To Win Division: 2/1
To Win Super Bowl: 22/1