2019 NFL Preseason Rankings: AFC North Power Rankings

2019 NFL Preseason Rankings – AFC North Power Rankings: We continue to work our way through the AFC as we prepare for the start of the 2019 NFL season. Up next, the always tough AFC North Division. Two of the steadiest organizations in the NFL, Pittsburgh and Baltimore, always seem to be contenders, and this year is likely no exception. However, the Cleveland Browns are suddenly loaded with upside after spending decades as the division’s doormat, and even the Cincinnati Bengals could be interesting after finally moving on from long-time head coach Marvin Lewis. One thing is for sure. The AFC North should once again be one of the deeper divisions in the league.

2019 NFL Preseason Rankings: AFC North Power Rankings

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

Never underestimate the importance of chemistry for an NFL team, and while losing Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell is a definite downgrade in terms of talent, I think it will be addition by subtraction for the Steelers. I’m expecting a motivated Ben Roethlisberger, and he, JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner will form the new core of an offense that will still score plenty. I also like receiver James Washington to emerge as Pittsburgh’s next big-play threat on the outside in his second season. The secondary is still a work in progress, but installing top-10 pick Devin Bush at middle linebacker should fortify the front seven. The AFC North is one of the toughest division around, but I think Big Ben and the Steelers reclaim their throne in 2019.

2. Cleveland Browns

This team still has to actually perform on the field, but the talent overhaul that the Cleveland front office has accomplished is impressive. Baker Mayfield showed franchise quarterback potential as a rookie, and the Browns added dynamic receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to go with slot artist Jarvis Landry, tight end David Njoku and running back Nick Chubb. Yes, the offensive line could be better, but this team should put some points on the board. Defensively, the Browns may have the best defensive line in the NFL after adding Sheldon Richardson and Oliver Vernon alongside Myles Garrett. If all these big names gel quickly, the Browns could easily win the division. At the very least, Cleveland should make its first legitimate playoff push in what seems like an eternity.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Quarterback Lamar Jackson showed last season that he can run the Ravens to a division title, and after adding bruising running back Mark Ingram in free agency and drafting some speedy receivers, this offense has a ton of upside. However, several key contributors are gone from a defense that allowed the fewest yards and second-fewest points per game last year, so Jackson can’t afford to have a sophomore slump. I still expect the Ravns to be contenders, but the AFC North is even deeper now that Cleveland is on the upswing. I think one game could be the difference between winning the division and finishing third.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

The wheels completely fell off after a 4-1 start last year, resulting in the end of the Marvin Lewis era in Cincinnati. Zac Taylor takes over, and while he is billed as an offensive guru, he doesn’t have a ton to work with right now. Yes, Andy Dalton is back under center, but star receiver A.J. Green is dealing with another injury. First-round pick Jonah Williams was supposed to solidify the left tackle spot, but he’s now out for the year, and starting guard Clint Boling retired unexpectedly. Throw in a defense that was historically bad last year, and I don’t see Taylor doing a quick flip with this roster, especially in this division.

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