Crystal Ball Predictions: AFC North

The North is by far the best division in the AFC. The Steelers, Ravens, and Bengals are always in contention and two out of those three teams are bound to make the playoffs. Last year we saw the Bengals and Steelers clash in a playoff game that won’t soon be forgotten. The Browns are usually the doormat of the division but it looks like they finally got it right by hiring Hue Jackson. They might not set the world on fire this year but I wouldn’t be shocked if they made a little noise in the North. Let’s see what the crystal ball has to say.

Best Draft Class:Baltimore Ravens. Ozzie Newsome has earned a living from having great drafts and it looks like he’s done it again. They may regret choosing Ronnie Stanley over Laremy Tunsil but Newsome has earned the respect to be considered right until proven otherwise. The Ravens also got some much needed help with their pass rush by adding Kamalei Correa and Bronson Kaufusi in the second and third round. How does Ozzie top the draft off? By adding the guy who has rushed for more touchdowns than any other soul that has played college football. Navy’s quarterback, Keenan Reynolds.

Best Unit: Pittsburgh Steelers Offense. This might be one of the scariest offenses in the NFL. They’re going to miss Martavis Bryant during his yearlong suspension but a defense still has to worry about Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, Markus Wheaton, Ladarius Green, and Ben Roethlisberger as the trigger man. The Steelers also have a top ten line according to PFF. Defense has been the calling card of the Steelers organization for decades but, for now, they will rely on their offense to put up points.

Best Free Agency Pickup: Eric Weddle, Baltimore Ravens. The addition of Weddle will be a welcomed site for a team that has secondary issues. The former Charger brings a leadership and passion that the Ravens fans can’t help but adore. He has a nose for dissecting plays and ending them before the develop. Weddle is going to have a renaissance in Baltimore.

Best Player: A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals. Yes, Antonio Brown could go here and there wouldn’t be any problems at all. He’s been the best receiver in the NFL the past two years. A.J. Green gets the nod because he’s had more career touchdowns (42) than Brown (35) and has played one less season. Green is bigger and can climb the ladder with ease. He also averaged more yards per reception in 2015 (14.8 compared to 13.5). He also makes Andy Dalton look like a borderline Pro-Bowler, not an easy feat. Josh Gordon‘s name would be in the mix too if it weren’t for off the field issues.

Breakout Player: Robert Griffin III, Cleveland Browns. The Browns have made a lot of moves this offseason but pairing new coach Hue Jackson with RGIII is the biggest. We all know that Robert has the skill set to succeed in this league. It’s just a question of maturity and what’s between the ears. Jackson has built the reputation of being a quarterback whisperer. If Robert listens he can guarantee a hefty contract extension next offseason.

Best Rookie: Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals.  The Pitt receiver holds the school record in both receptions and receiving yards. That’s music to Dalton‘s ears. While most defenses will shade toward A.J. Green, Boyd will see a lot of single coverage. His polished route running will give him an advantage that most rookie receivers don’t develop for a few years. Boyd catches everything. He’s not a huge playmaker but that’s not what he’s asked to do. Look for Boyd to have a great rookie campaign.

Best Coach: Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers. This is a coin toss between Tomlin and Ravens Coach John Harbaugh. John has a better winning percentage in the postseason but Tomlin has two Lombardi Trophies compared to the one Harbaugh has claimed. That’s why he gets the nod.

Interesting Storyline:The Steelers/Bengals Rivalry. Last year the Steelers and Bengals playoff game ended with some bad blood. Vontaze Burfict made helmet to helmet contact Antonio Brown which lead to a concussion. The hit only added toe Burfict’s reputation as a dirty player. Though he’s sworn to change that members of the Steelers have lashed out at Vontaze, even going as far as to threaten him. This was already a great rivalry, now it’s personal. That’s something that we, and the NFL will keep an eye on.

Biggest X-Factor:Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals. Dalton is a pretty good quarterback. He does what he’s supposed to do and always guides his team to the playoffs. His postseason record is abysmal at 0-4 and if that’s going to change then Andy needs to take it to the next level. If this team is healthy then they should make a deep playoff run. If not, Marvin Lewis will be looking over his shoulder. Again.

MVP Candidates: Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens. Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns  

Division Winner: Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals more experienced defense is what sets them apart from Pittsburgh. The distance isn’t close so don’t expect this division to be decided until late in the season. The Steelers will make the playoffs, too and don’t be surprised if Baltimore makes a push for the AFC North title. It’s going to be an interesting season.

Is the crystal ball correct? Let me know @mattgarrett41

Check out other divisions: AFC West, AFC South , AFC East , NFC South , NFC West, NFC North, NFC East 

As always, thanks for reading.

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