AFC North: 2025 NFL Season Outlook
Browns
I’m drawn in with great interest to the Cleveland Browns this season. As of Tuesday Dillon Gabriel is officially QB2, with Shedeur Sanders slotted third. And honestly? I like this for Sanders. It takes the spotlight off him, lets him develop without the weight of expectation. A rare moment of restraint from the Browns—well played. Could this be a chessboard move from Kevin Stefanski? I think so. He’s the most underappreciated coach in the league. Two-time Coach of the Year, and let’s not forget: this team was playoff-caliber before the Watson experiment. Stefanski’s system-first approach might finally get the breathing room it deserves.
Steelers
I’m in Aaron Rodgers’ corner this season. If he can take Pittsburgh to the playoffs and win a game—something they haven’t done in a decade—it’ll be one of the most satisfying arcs in recent memory. The Steelers have broken character lately. Signing DK Metcalf to a max deal? That’s not your grandpa’s Pittsburgh front office. Is Mike Tomlin on the hot seat? I say no. Steelers fans might say yes. They’re delusional, frankly. But that’s a rant for another day.
Ravens
Baltimore is firmly in its Super Bowl window. Just a year removed from the AFC Championship Game, and last season’s exit came at the hands of Buffalo in the divisional round. I expect more of the same: solid, consistent, and playoff-bound. Probably a two or five seed. The real intrigue? Lamar Jackson’s style this season. Will he rush for 900+ yards again? Probably not. But he should have been MVP last year, the writers got it wrong two years in a row now. Can we call them out on this? Lamar should have another prime season.
Bengals
Oh, Bengals. Bengals. Bangles. It was a rocky offseason, but they got it done—Jamarr Chase and Trey Hendrickson both secured deals, with Hendrickson’s ink drying less than two weeks before kickoff. I’m still on the bandwagon. This team is absolutely in their Super Bowl window. Let’s not forget: they’re the last team to beat the Chiefs in an AFC Title Game. As for Zac Taylor? I think it’s a make-or-break year. His contract and the Bengals’ frugal tendencies might suggest otherwise, but the pressure’s mounting. Maybe even internally.