Predicting All 8 NFL Division Winners

AFC North: Cincinnati Bengals

Wait… The Super Bowl champs won’t win the division? That’s right. It’s the Red Rifle and the Cincinnati Bengals that wear the AFC North crown this year. Why? Let’s start with Baltimore:

Oct 14, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) quarter shout out instructions to Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

When you lose so many key players like the Ravens did this offseason, it’s tough to have the same level of chemistry and production from your team. The Ravens no longer have linebackers Ray Lewis (retired), Dannell Ellerbe (Dolphins), and Paul Kruger (Browns); both starting safeties Ed Reed (Texans) and Bernard Pollard (Titans); cornerback Cary Williams (Eagles); and wide receiver Anquan Boldin (49ers)… They did pick up Elvis Dumervil from Denver, but that is a lot of positions to fill for a team with a target on its back. Everyone will be gunning for the Ravens.

The Cincinnati Bengals had a decent offseason. They swiped James Harrison from the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. They drafted a solid pass-catching and blocking tight end in Tyler Eifert. He and Jermaine Gresham will improve the tight end production from last season, and should give Cincinnati better abilities in their two TE sets. A.J. Green will continue to improve his ability and develop chemistry with Andy Dalton, and I think Green will have more touchdowns than the 11 he posted last season. He should easily add another 1,000 yard season to his career, and will likely make the Pro Bowl again.

The Bengals are flying somewhat under the radar. It’s easy to do when the champs are playing in the same division.