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AFC North preview: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers

The wait is nearly over and the NFL season is upon us!
The team 100th season starts on Thursday, September 5 when the Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers, live on Sky Sports.
Until then, it’s time to check the contenders of 2019.
We are previewing all eight divisions, and here it is possible to find our views onto the AFC North and cast your vote who you think will win below…
Head coach: Mike Tomlin
Key man: Ben Roethlisberger has become the heart and soul of the franchise Ever since he had been drafted in 2004. Despite getting on in age and throwing the most interceptions in the NFL last season (16), the 37-year-old is still one of the best quarterbacks in the group.
Roethlisberger has dropped his favourite target for the last six seasons – Antonio Brown – but JuJu Smith-Schuster’s emergence can help him . Their venture could grow into one of their most dangerous from the group.
Additions: The marquee moves this offseason in Pittsburgh were departures. While Le’Veon Bell declared for the New York Jets Brown was traded to Oakland.
This year On the other hand, the Steelers drafted well. They picked linebacker Devin Bush total, who’s instantly one of the favourites to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. On crime, fast receiver Diontae Johnson and running Benny Snell will contribute.
Last season: They missed the playoffs since 2013.
The Steelers won seven of their 10 games for to 7-2-1, however, playoff hopes were dashed after they dropped four of their next five. Their fate was sealed in Week 17 when Baltimore won, eliminating the Steelers.
Prospects: Roethlisberger and Smith-Schuster may take their relationship to a new level this season, while the offensive line is just one of the best from the league and will allow James Conner to flourish in the passing and running game.
The Steelers seem to have improved this offseason with the purchase of Bush and are sound. They will be hoping for a return to the postseason.
Prediction: 1st (11-5)
Head coach: John Harbaugh
Key man: when Lamar Jackson started The Ravens went 6-1 last season. If he wishes to go back to the postseason as groups know exactly what to expect when coming up against him, Nevertheless, the 22-year-old have to improve in the passing game. He threw for six touchdowns and 1,201 yards last year, but yet hurried for 695 yards and five touchdowns.
If Jackson can come across the perfect blend between both kinds of attack, this crime can be deadly. With the number Jackson has to learn how to guard himself.
Big additions: Running Mark Ingram back was brought in on a three dimensional and is a better and much bigger version of Alex Collins. Keep an eye. On protection Pro Bowler Earl Thomas has been the improvement when he signed up a contract at free agency.
The Ravens lacked broad receiver manufacturing last season but that doesn’t seem like the case anymore… Rookies Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin will both provide some much-needed speed out.
Last season: The benching of long-time starting quarterback Joe Flacco following a Week Nine loss ended up being a boon. They went from an abysmal record that was 4-5 to ending the season 10-6 and creating the playoffs thanks to Jackson carrying the league.
Regrettably, their playoff encounter did not last long since the Los Angeles Chargers beat in the Wild Card round them.
Prospects: they are definitely on the cusp, Though the Ravens are not one of the AFC powerhouses. They then have a real chance of winning the division, if Jackson can generate more through the atmosphere. The young QB will be only improved by offensive weapons’ advancements.
The shield will be powerful again and with hard-hitting Thomas’ addition , the secondary should go back for their turnover potential by 2018, when they led the league in takeaways.
Prediction: 2nd (9-7)
Head trainer: Freddie Kitchens
Key man: Regardless of being pipped last year by Saquon Barkley,” Baker Mayfield is among the young quarterbacks in the NFL. The 24-year-old broke the record for most touchdown passes thrown by a newcomer (27).
His offense is piled with weapons – such as Odell Beckham Jr,” Jarvis Landry and Nick Chubb – so if he’s not able to improve on his stats a great deal of questions will likely be requested.
Significant additions: In possibly the largest transfer of the summertime, the Browns acquired Beckham Jr in a blockbuster trade. Olivier Vernon also made the trip in a separate thing.
2017 Pro Bowl running back Kareem Hunt was added to the roster following his release. On the other hand, that the 24-year-old is suspended for the first eight games of the season because of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Last season: At the two previous seasons, the Browns had an abysmal 1-31 record. By Week Five last year, they’d already won two games. But a series of four losses in a row saw Hue Jackson fired along with Gregg Williams set for the remainder of the season accountable.
Williams came near directing the Browns for their first .500 season since 2007, however they fell at 7-8-1.
Prospects: There’s been a whole lot of hype around the Browns due to the number of names they’ve brought in on crime, but the time may be taken by the team .
The attack is full of celebrities if he falls from suspension, and the signing of Hunt could help hugely down the stretch. Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward are claws, but the remainder of the unit requires work.
At a branch that is difficult, co and Mayfield should hit the floor running to reach the playoffs.
Prediction: 3rd (9-7)
Head trainer: Zac Taylor
Key man: Despite teams relying upon their own quarterback, the Bengals rely heavily upon their back. Joe Mixon is among the very few bright sparks with this team.
The 23-year-old had yards and eight touchdowns last season but has been not named to the Pro Bowl, even though leading the AFC in rushing yards.
Mixon is in line for another active year because the Bengals are lacking quality at receiver, particularly due to A.J. Green’s injury. This group could be the worst in the NFL.
Additions: The Bengals chose not to strengthen their positions during free service with celebrities. Guard John Miller may be the veteran addition that is notable.
The 2019 NFL Draft wasn’t better compared to Cincy’s first-round pick Jonah Williams was ruled out for the season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder. However, they might have drafted their upcoming quarterback. He has looked sharp at preseason, but won’t be dethroning Andy Dalton any time soon.
Year: The Bengals got off to a hot start, winning four of their first five matches. Throughout the rest of the season, they mustered up two victories, leaving them having an abysmal 6-10 record.
Injuries played a large role as throughout the entire year, 26 players have been put on Injured Reserve – such as celebrity receiver Green.
Prospects: With new head coach and a roster, the Bengals are expected to fight. They have got an ageing quarterback who has not led them into the playoffs because 2015 and they maybe not much depth on offense, therefore Mixon is going to be the go-to alternative.
The defense isn’t much better and has been shrouded with injuries. It might be another season for the Bengals.
Prediction: 4th (4-12)

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