08-18-2024, 09:38 PM
Bleacher Report
Cincinnati Bengals (11-6)
As long as quarterback Joe Burrow stays healthy, the Bengals will be back atop the AFC North, as they were in 2021 and 2022. You can bet (responsibly) on the Bengals signing wideout Ja'Marr Chase to an extension before Week 1. With Chase, Tee Higgins and an underrated Mike Gesicki at tight end, Cincinnati will field a prolific passing attack. Lou Anarumo's defense will rank within the top 12 in takeaways for a third consecutive campaign to balance a playoff-caliber squad.
Baltimore Ravens (10-7)
The Ravens signed Derrick Henry, who fits their physical culture, though they could have issues blocking for him and protecting a much slimmer Lamar Jackson this year. The Ravens lost three starting offensive linemen from the previous season. Baltimore will also have to adjust defensively after its former coordinator, Mike MacDonald, took the Seattle Seahawks' head-coaching job. The Ravens still have a playoff-caliber roster, but they won't be as dominant as last year.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8)
With or without wideout Brandon Aiyuk, Pittsburgh will field a run-heavy offense under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith who should feature Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren as one of the league's best running back duos. Typically, the Steelers field a stingy defense, but they must figure out how to get the best out of 35-year-old Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, which isn't an easy task with possibly two rookie starters along the offensive line.
Cleveland Browns (8-9)
Deshaun Watson's production will determine whether Cleveland remains in the playoff picture or finishes with a sub-.500 record. In 14 games with the Browns, he's thrown for 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions with a 59.8 percent completion rate. The Browns' stingy defense should keep them in games. On the flip side, running back Nick Chubb doesn't have a timetable for return, and Joe Flacco isn't there to bail the offense out if Watson struggles or is unavailable down the stretch.
Cincinnati Bengals (11-6)
As long as quarterback Joe Burrow stays healthy, the Bengals will be back atop the AFC North, as they were in 2021 and 2022. You can bet (responsibly) on the Bengals signing wideout Ja'Marr Chase to an extension before Week 1. With Chase, Tee Higgins and an underrated Mike Gesicki at tight end, Cincinnati will field a prolific passing attack. Lou Anarumo's defense will rank within the top 12 in takeaways for a third consecutive campaign to balance a playoff-caliber squad.
Baltimore Ravens (10-7)
The Ravens signed Derrick Henry, who fits their physical culture, though they could have issues blocking for him and protecting a much slimmer Lamar Jackson this year. The Ravens lost three starting offensive linemen from the previous season. Baltimore will also have to adjust defensively after its former coordinator, Mike MacDonald, took the Seattle Seahawks' head-coaching job. The Ravens still have a playoff-caliber roster, but they won't be as dominant as last year.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8)
With or without wideout Brandon Aiyuk, Pittsburgh will field a run-heavy offense under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith who should feature Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren as one of the league's best running back duos. Typically, the Steelers field a stingy defense, but they must figure out how to get the best out of 35-year-old Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, which isn't an easy task with possibly two rookie starters along the offensive line.
Cleveland Browns (8-9)
Deshaun Watson's production will determine whether Cleveland remains in the playoff picture or finishes with a sub-.500 record. In 14 games with the Browns, he's thrown for 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions with a 59.8 percent completion rate. The Browns' stingy defense should keep them in games. On the flip side, running back Nick Chubb doesn't have a timetable for return, and Joe Flacco isn't there to bail the offense out if Watson struggles or is unavailable down the stretch.
Romo “ so impressed with Zac ...1 of the best in the NFL… they are just fundamentally sound. Taylor the best winning % in the Playoffs of current coaches. Joe Burrow” Zac is the best head coach in the NFL & that gives me a lot of confidence." Taylor led the Bengals to their first playoff win since 1990, ending the longest active drought in the four major North American sports, en and appeared in Super Bowl LVI, the first since 1988.
