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Redzone Redlines Season Preview - The AFC North

by JAMoney14 | 7 months ago | 0 Comments

Our final division breakdown of the preseason preview!

AFC NORTH

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TEAM STRENGTHS:

Dynamic Quarterback: Lamar Jackson (99 OVR, 28 y/o, X-Factor) remains one of the league's most versatile QBs. His athleticism and playmaking abilities keep defenses on their heels. His chemistry with key targets like Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers is crucial for the offense.

Star-Studded Defense: Anchored by Roquan Smith (96 OVR, 28 y/o, X-Factor) and Kyle Hamilton (95 OVR, 24 y/o, X-Factor), this defense boasts playmakers at every level. With Trenton Simpson (84 OVR, 24 y/o, Superstar) emerging, the unit has both leadership and young talent.

Receiving Corps Upgrade: The addition of DeAndre Hopkins (81 OVR, 33 y/o) complements Zay Flowers (88 OVR, 24 y/o, Star), providing Jackson with a versatile group of receivers. Flowers’ speed and Hopkins’ experience create a potent combination.

O-Line Experience: Led by Ronnie Stanley (88 OVR, 31 y/o, Superstar) and the seasoned Kevin Zeitler (82 OVR, 35 y/o), the Ravens' offensive line provides strong protection, crucial for Jackson's dynamic style of play.

TEAM WEAKNESSES:

Inconsistent Offense: Despite Jackson's presence, the offense showed inconsistency last season, especially in the running game. Derrick Henry (87 OVR, 31 y/o, X-Factor) had moments of slowing down, putting pressure on the passing game to pick up the slack.

Aging Backfield: With Henry turning 31, there are questions about his ability to carry the rushing load throughout the season. The Ravens may need to rely more on Keaton Mitchell (80 OVR, 23 y/o, Star), who lacks experience as a lead back.

Offensive Line Depth: While the starting offensive line is strong, there are concerns about the depth behind players like Stanley and Zeitler. Injuries could expose the unit’s lack of reliable backups, potentially disrupting the offense's rhythm.

Turnover Prone: Jackson threw 18 interceptions last season, and ball security remains a concern. If the Ravens can't reduce these turnovers, it will limit their ability to maintain control in close games.

FACTORS TO WATCH:

Lamar’s Health: Jackson's health is always a critical factor. If he stays healthy, his dual-threat ability makes the Ravens’ offense dynamic and hard to defend. However, another injury could derail their season quickly.

Rookie Contributions: Rookies like Adisa Isaac (75 OVR, Normal) will be counted on to provide depth, especially on the defensive line. Their development will be key to the team's success.

Veteran Additions: The addition of DeAndre Hopkins and Kevin Zeitler brings experience, but their performances must match expectations. If Hopkins can be a red-zone threat and Zeitler can hold the line, the Ravens' offense can significantly improve.

Revenge Motivation: Coach Kelly's mission for redemption after last year's controversial AFC North title loss could fuel the Ravens. Their hunger for a comeback might be the spark needed to drive them through a tough season.

THE MONEY SITUATION:

  • Big Contracts: Lamar Jackson's $43.5M per year and Ronnie Stanley’s $15.07M could strain the Ravens’ future cap, especially with upcoming contracts for younger stars like Zay Flowers.
  • Smart Deals: Roquan Smith (96 OVR) and Kyle Hamilton (95 OVR) are on relatively team-friendly deals considering their impact on the field.
  • Cap Concerns: With key contributors like Justin Tucker ($6.5M) and Mark Andrews ($16.91M) taking up a large chunk, Baltimore will need to make savvy financial decisions in the coming seasons to maintain their core.

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CINCINNATI BENGALS
 

TEAM STRENGTHS:

Quarterback Excellence: Joe Burrow (95 OVR, X-Factor, 28 y/o) continues to be one of the NFL's premier quarterbacks. His pocket presence and ability to read defenses make him a true franchise cornerstone.

Dynamic Wide Receivers: The Bengals boast a dangerous receiving corps led by Ja'Marr Chase (97 OVR, X-Factor, 25 y/o) and Tee Higgins (88 OVR, Star, 26 y/o). Both can take over games with their athleticism and route-running.

Offensive Line Improvement: With Trent Brown (86 OVR, Star, 32 y/o) and Amarius Mims (85 OVR, Star, 22 y/o), the Bengals have bolstered their line, giving Burrow more time to operate.

Defensive Playmakers: Kris Jenkins (84 OVR, Star, 23 y/o) on the line and Logan Wilson (83 OVR, Star, 29 y/o) in the linebacker corps offer stability and disruptive playmaking on defense.

TEAM WEAKNESSES:

Running Game Consistency: Zack Moss (81 OVR, Normal, 27 y/o) leads a running back group that has struggled to find consistency, lacking a true star presence in the backfield.

Secondary Depth: Despite the talent of Daxton Hill (78 OVR, Star, 24 y/o) and Cam Taylor-Britt (82 OVR, Star, 25 y/o), the cornerback room behind them has questionable depth, which could be problematic against pass-heavy teams.

Pass Protection: Despite improvements, the offensive line still faces challenges, particularly in pass-blocking. The 44 sacks allowed last season are a concern for Burrow's health and success.

Coaching Uncertainty: With rookie coach Munch being reinstated after a temporary removal, there’s some uncertainty about how his leadership will affect team performance.

FACTORS TO WATCH:

Burrow-Chase Connection: Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase have a dynamic chemistry that can take over games. How this duo adapts to the ever-changing defenses in the AFC will be crucial to the Bengals' success.

Running Back Rotation: With Zack Moss underwhelming last season, Alvin Kamara's (81 OVR, Star, 30 y/o) arrival could bring a new dimension to the ground game if he stays healthy and effective.

Defensive Line Dominance: Kris Jenkins and Trey Hendrickson (88 OVR, Star, 30 y/o) will be key in pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Their ability to generate consistent disruption in the backfield could define the Bengals' defensive identity.

Maximizing Tight End Potential: Mike Gesicki (79 OVR, Star, 29 y/o) has the athleticism to be a mismatch against linebackers and safeties. If Burrow can effectively utilize him, the Bengals' offense could become even more versatile.

THE MONEY SITUATION:

  • Joe Burrow's massive $46.25M annual contract sets a significant cap hit but is essential for the franchise.
  • Ja'Marr Chase is in the final year of his rookie deal, with a potential extension looming that could further strain the cap.
  • Mike Gesicki's $7.42M deal is a high price for a tight end but worth it if he performs to expectations.
  • Key Decision: Managing the cap will be challenging, especially if they intend to keep core pieces like Tee Higgins and Kris Jenkins long-term.

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CLEVELAND BROWNS

TEAM STRENGTHS:

Backfield playmakers: Nick Chubb (91 OVR, X-Factor, 29 y/o) remains the centerpiece of the Browns' offense, with his reliable rushing and surprising versatility in the passing game. Audric Estime (76 OVR) provides a solid one-two punch behind him, showing potential to make big plays.

Offensive weapons: Amari Cooper (88 OVR, Superstar, 28 y/o) and the newly acquired Deebo Samuel Sr (86 OVR, Superstar) headline a potent receiving corps. With David Njoku (91 OVR, Superstar) at tight end, the Browns have multiple downfield threats.

Offensive Line: Anchored by Wyatt Teller (87 OVR, Superstar) and Joel Bitonio (86 OVR, Star), Cleveland’s offensive line is one of the better units in the league, providing solid pass protection and creating lanes for the running backs.

New QB Talent: Robert Tracy (77 OVR, Normal, 23 y/o), the team's top-10 rookie QB, is expected to start. His fresh arm and potential could be a game-changer if he adjusts well to the pro level.

TEAM WEAKNESSES:

Quarterback uncertainty: While Robert Tracy is highly regarded, he is unproven. With the trade of Trey Lance and only unsteady backups like Jimmy Garoppolo (61 OVR), the Browns’ success heavily depends on Tracy's development.

Defensive front inconsistencies: Despite Mike Hall Jr (86 OVR, X-Factor, 22 y/o) providing talent on the line, the departures of Myles Garrett and others leave concerns about their overall pass-rushing ability, potentially giving opposing QBs more time.

Linebacker Depth: Outside of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (92 OVR, X-Factor), the linebacker group is lacking depth and star power, with others like Jordan Hicks (75 OVR, Normal) being serviceable but not game-changers.

Secondary gaps: Despite Denzel Ward (92 OVR, Superstar) and Grant Delpit (84 OVR, Star), the Browns' secondary lacks depth, particularly at cornerback, with players like Alex Brown (67 OVR) not quite ready to step up.

FACTORS TO WATCH:

Tracy’s Impact: How quickly Robert Tracy can adapt to the pro level will define the Browns' season. His performance could either elevate the offense to new heights or become a learning curve that sets the team back.

New defensive scheme: With a new defensive coordinator, the scheme change could either refresh the Browns' defensive approach or create initial struggles as players adjust.

Return of Deebo: Deebo Samuel Sr's arrival should be a game-changer. His ability to create plays both as a receiver and a gadget runner provides an extra dynamic to the offense that Cleveland lacked.

Injury Risks: The Browns' reliance on veterans like Nick Chubb and Deebo Samuel Sr makes them susceptible to injury concerns. Depth at key positions, especially on offense, will be tested if the injury bug hits.

THE MONEY SITUATION:

  • Heavy contracts: Players like Joel Bitonio ($15.67M) and Denzel Ward ($17.30M) take up significant cap space, potentially limiting future signings and flexibility.
  • Young talent locked in: The Browns benefit from young stars like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Robert Tracy on their rookie contracts, which allows financial maneuvering in the short term.
  • Upcoming decisions: With key contracts like Jack Conklin (LT) and Grant Delpit (SS) nearing expiration, Cleveland will need to decide which players to retain.
  • Big trade pieces: Trading away assets like Myles Garrett freed up cap space but put pressure on finding adequate replacements without splurging on free agents.

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PITTSBURGH STEELERS

TEAM STRENGTHS:

Young Defensive Stars: The Steelers boast promising young talent in Alex Highsmith (89 OVR, Star, 28 y/o) and Keeanu Benton (78 OVR, Star, 24 y/o). Their mix of speed, strength, and agility keeps the pressure on opposing offenses.

Offensive Line: With veterans like David Bakhtiari (88 OVR, Star, 33 y/o) and promising players such as Troy Fautanu (82 OVR, Star, 24 y/o), the Steelers’ offensive line is solid, offering stability for both pass protection and the run game.

Wide Receiver Corps: Roman Wilson (81 OVR, Superstar, 24 y/o) and George Pickens (86 OVR, Star, 24 y/o) lead a talented receiving group that can make plays deep down the field, providing a strong aerial attack.

Running Back Depth: Najee Harris (81 OVR) spearheads a committee that includes promising young talents like Jermaine Logan (71 OVR). Their versatility allows for both power running and pass-catching out of the backfield.

TEAM WEAKNESSES:

Quarterback Uncertainty: Despite having Mac Jones (73 OVR, Normal, 26 y/o) and rookie Ted Thurston (74 OVR, Normal), the Steelers still lack an elite quarterback. Justin Fields' departure has left a gap in reliable QB play.

Linebacker Depth: Outside of Patrick Queen (85 OVR, Star), the linebacker corps lacks standout players. The Steelers need their younger prospects, like Payton Wilson (76 OVR), to step up quickly.

Secondary Concerns: With the loss of key veterans like Minkah Fitzpatrick, the secondary relies heavily on Joey Porter Jr. (82 OVR, Star) and Brian Branch (89 OVR, Star). The rest of the group is still relatively unproven.

Tight End Play: Pat Freiermuth (85 OVR, Star) is the main option at tight end, but depth is lacking. Darnell Washington (74 OVR) and recent acquisitions may struggle to provide consistent production.

FACTORS TO WATCH:

Ted Thurston's Potential: The Steelers' rookie QB is under pressure to take the reins. His development will be crucial for Pittsburgh's long-term success, particularly in high-pressure divisional games.

Revamped Defense: With offseason trades and acquisitions, Coach Zach's revamped defense will be under the spotlight. Will they click quickly enough to keep Pittsburgh competitive in a challenging AFC North?

Wide Receiver Breakouts: Roman Wilson and George Pickens have the chance to establish themselves as elite WRs in the league this season. How well they link up with the QBs will define the Steelers' offensive success.

Coach Zach's Gambles: The coach's bold trades, particularly moving away from stars like TJ Watt, suggest a long-term vision. How those moves pay off in the short and long run will be a storyline to watch.

THE MONEY SITUATION:

  • Heavy investments: Contracts like David Bakhtiari ($22M) and Patrick Queen ($17.69M) limit cap flexibility, indicating a win-now approach.
  • Young Talent on Rookie Deals: Players like Roman Wilson and Ted Thurston provide cap relief, allowing the Steelers to invest in key positions elsewhere.
  • Upcoming Extensions: With stars like Joey Porter Jr. and George Pickens nearing the end of their rookie contracts, Pittsburgh faces tough financial decisions.
  • Offloaded Contracts: Moving on from high-cost veterans like TJ Watt has freed up cap space, giving Pittsburgh room to maneuver for future acquisitions.

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BALTIMORE RAVENS (11-6):
The Ravens remain a dangerous force in the division with their balanced roster. While Lamar Jackson (99 OVR, X-Factor) continues to lead a dynamic offense, the addition of veterans like DeAndre Hopkins adds firepower. However, defensive concerns and questions about consistency could prevent them from replicating last year's success. Coach Kelly’s experience may make the difference in tight divisional matchups.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (10-7):
Cleveland's roster changes have created a boom-or-bust situation. Rookie QB Robert Tracy faces immense pressure, but the Browns' offense is stacked with talent, including Nick Chubb (91 OVR, X-Factor) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (86 OVR, Superstar). Their revamped defense under a new coordinator could be the key to success, but inconsistency remains their biggest threat.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (9-8):
Coach Zach's efforts at a long-term rebuild begin to show results. The youthful defense, led by Alex Highsmith and Keeanu Benton, can be disruptive. Offensive uncertainty, particularly at QB with Ted Thurston and Mac Jones, limits their ceiling. However, with promising talent like Roman Wilson and a revitalized offensive line, they could exceed expectations and sneak into the playoff race.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (5-12):
Joe Burrow (95 OVR, X-Factor) returns as the cornerstone, but a lack of proven depth around him is a concern. The Bengals have dynamic weapons like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but their offensive line struggles may limit their potential. Improved defense gives them a fighting chance, but it’s not enough to guarantee a playoff push this season.

HOT TAKE:
The Steelers will surprise the league by clinching a wildcard spot, building momentum for an unexpected playoff run.