Predicting All Eight NFL Division Winners
By Cyrus Geller
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) runs with the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jarvis Jones (95) chases in the third quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
AFC North
Pittsburgh: 11-5
Baltimore: 9-7
Cincinnati: 8-8
Cleveland: 5-11
This division was the second toughest to figure out, because those three teams at the top are all very close to each other in talent, and I think this race will come down to the very end of the regular season. The problem with these teams are all obvious: the Steelers will have a loaded offense, but a suspect defense, the Ravens’ defense is not what it used to be, and the Bengals have Andy Dalton.
At the end of the day, I’m going with the Steelers to take the division solely because of their offensive firepower. This group is going to put up a crazy amount of points this year, and for most matchups, that should be more than enough to make up for their defense. Ben Roethlisberger has all the weapons in the world to work with, so if that offensive line can keep him upright, he will have a record year.
Joe Flacco frustrates me because he can look so bad in the regular season, but then turns around and looks like Tom Brady in the postseason. If normal Flacco shows up from September to December, the Ravens will struggle to get into the playoffs. There will be turnover on the offensive side of the ball, and their secondary is going to be very bad once again. However if Flacco can somehow squeak into the postseason, then you better watch out.
Next: NFC South