Predict the AFC North Division 2022

[*SHRacerX*]

(03-27-2022, 09:42 PM)guyofthetiger Wrote: For those early bettors, I thought you should predict the AFC North Division 2022 standings for next season. I've heard different thoughts. I personally like the Bengals chances, but it will be a tough road to repeat as division champions. Here are my "early" final standings:

Cleveland Browns
Cincinnati Bengals
Baltimore Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers

I do think the Bengals make a wild card playoff spot.

I won't hammer you for the Browns slotting, as I am sure others have already, but I will say that I bet Watson misses at least half the season.  

I would see the division as follows:

Bengals
Ravens
Browns 
Fighting Trubiskys

That isn't being a homer...I just see the improvements made, the consistency of the coaching staff, and the way the team looked in their last 5 games of 2022.

Ravens are a bit of an enigma.  They have names on defense, but it sure didn't gel last year....I am sure many will excuse it with injuries and covid, but they didn't show much from that respect early in the season, either.  Their passing attack is substandard.  I expect Lamar to have a nice bounce back season, but I don't see the firepower to outscore the Bengals.

Browns only get this ranking because of their roster.  Their QB status is a complete question mark for up to 10 games.  There might be SOME players that actually supported Baker.  Nonetheless, they have shown time and time again that with a great roster and expectations, they fold under pressure. 

steelers.  Turd soup.  Most overrated defense in the NFL.  Seeing Burrow put a 40 burger on them was one of the best days in my life.  Send the pig packing with an absolutely embarrassing ass-whipping.  Trubisky is probably an upgrade over Pigbisky, but they still have a dearth of weapons at WR, and their secondary/LB corps is very suspect.  Tomlin's "no year under .500" club card gets voided this season.