I'm going division by division predicting records for all 32 NFL teams, and I'm one division in. Today, I swap conferences and go to the AFC North.
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Let's get to the preview.
AFC North
Common opponents on schedule: AFC East, NFC East
2015: 10-6 (2nd), lost in AFC Divisional Round
It may be a slow start in the Steel City, as Le'Veon Bell is suspended for the first three games of the season, but a 2-1 or 3-0 start isn't out of the question. Once he comes back, he'll bolster an already elite offense with Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown, and the defense isn't elite, but should get the job done. It's a tough division where a lot of the teams match up pretty well with each other, but I think the Steelers have the edge.
2016 Prediction: 11-5
2015: 12-4 (1st), lost in AFC Wild Card Round
Andy Dalton has made the playoffs every year, but I'm not sure if they will this year. He's still got a good supporting cast around him on offense with A.J. Green and a solid two-headed running attack with Jeremy Hill and Geo Bernard. Their defense should be all right too, but if you're relying on a headcase like Pacman Jones in the back, I'm not sure how sold you can be. They'll definitely be in the mix for a playoff spot, but I'm not entirely sure it'll happen.
2016 Prediction: 9-7
2015: 5-11 (3rd), missed playoffs
Baltimore has dealt with a lot of injuries in the past year, but I'm still not sold on this team. Flacco is a good quarterback, but he's not the same guy since winning the Super Bowl and signing that huge deal. If the Ravens stay healthy they can overachieve and contend for a playoff berth, but can guys like Perriman stay on the field? I'm not convinced they can. Plus, it's Year Two of a Marc Trestman offense. What could go wrong?
2016 Prediction: 6-10
2015: 3-13 (4th), missed playoffs
If Cleveland has 2012 RGIII under center, they're going to be fine. Unfortunately, it's not 2012. He's probably an improvement over the overrated head case known as Johnny Manziel, but not by much. After a month, he'll have Josh Gordon to throw to, which will help a ton, but there's not much else here. At least you have the Cavs now, Cleveland.
2016 Prediction: 3-13
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