The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the best teams in the AFC, arguably the second-best team behind only the New England Patriots. The question is whether or not they can beat the Patriots this year. Two teams from the Afc North are possible Wild Card contenders, in the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, while the final team is improving but still one of the worst teams in the entire league. With the NFL training camps starting this week, here is a look at the AFC North preview for the 2017 Nfl Season.
AFC North team breakdown
The Pittsburgh Steelers will once again compete for a chance to play in the Super Bowl in the 2017 NFL season.
They have an All-Pro at quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, the best wide receiver in the NFL in Antonio Brown, and one of the top three running backs in the NFL in Le’Veon Bell. They also have a solid defense and only the New England Patriots can claim ownership of a better team in the AFC.
The Cincinnati Bengals were playoff contenders every season until 2016. Last year, thanks to injuries to A.J. Green and a struggling defense, the Bengals missed the playoffs for the first time in years. The team has to hope to rebound in 2017 because if they don’t, Cincinnati might be looking at making changes.
Another team that seems on the verge of a Wild Card spot is the Baltimore Ravens. The team has only been to the playoffs one time since winning a Super Bowl in 2012.
They need Joe Flacco to step up to become more of a leader and need to develop better starting options at running back and wide receiver if they want to compete.
The Cleveland Browns have had one of the worst teams in the NFL for the last 15 years and they won’t improve much this year. The Browns did add talent thanks to a very good NFL Draft but they still have no franchise quarterback and won’t win until they find one.
AFC North predictions
When it comes to the 2017 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will win the AFC North once again this year. They have too much talent at every position. There is also a good chance that the Steelers could represent the AFC in the Super Bowl but they have to get past the Patriots.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens will compete for the second spot in the AFC North.
Right now, the Bengals seem to have the advantage if they remain healthy this year and keep A.J. Green on the field – as well as if Joe Mixon proves to be the running back he is capable of. The Ravens will be neck-to-neck, but they have more needs to fill.
The Cleveland Browns remain dead last. They will one day compete for a higher spot in the AFC North but that won’t happen in the 2017 NFL season.
