2015 Season Predictions: AFC North Preview

Dec 29, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end

(93) against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. Bengals defeated the Ravens 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals: 

Key Additions: WR Denarius Moore, DT Pat Sims, DE Michael Johnson, ILB A.J. Hawk 

The offense really didn’t add many players. Moore probably won’t have much of an impact if at all, as he figures to be the No.4 wide receiver for the Bengals. The reason I didn’t list their top two picks Ogbuehi and Fisher is because they probably won’t start.

Adding Sims will also simply add depth to their defensive line. The return of Johnson is the biggest signing for the Bengals. After an unproductive year in Tampa Bay he is returning to Cincinnati where he was great during his first four years in the NFL and the Bengals believe he can get back to that level of skill. Adding Hawk will simply add depth to the middle linebacker position.

Key Losses: TE Jermaine Gresham, CB Terence Newman

While the Bengals didn’t add many players they lost even less. Losing Gresham shouldn’t be a big hit to their offense as Tyler Eifert is a very promising tight end though he has been slowed by injuries. Gresham remains unsigned this offseason. Newman is an aging cornerback but he might still have another good year or two in him. Still the Bengals will be able to replace him as they are very deep at cornerback.

Jun 16, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback

(14) speaks with wide receiver

(18) during minicamp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Verdict: 

This offense is very good at almost every position except for quarterback. Andy Dalton simply isn’t good enough to win a Super Bowl or make a deep playoff run and will always hold the Bengals back. Despite having A.J. Green, Mohammed Sanu and other solid targets, a great running game and a very good offensive line, the offense always stalls against good defenses.

The only reason Dalton is still seen as a decent quarterback is because of A.J. Green. Green is one of the best in the game and Dalton has been quite terrible when Green was forced to miss some games. Their draft was also very questionable as they drafted two offensive tackles, a position that they already have a lot of talent at.

This defense is very good. Their defensive line is very stout against the run and the addition of Johnson will only help that. Their linebacker corps is also very good and adding Hawk helps them as injuries have been a major issue for the Bengals. Kirkpatrick and Hall are very solid corners and Jones is good in the slot.

The Bengals also hope that last years first round pick Dennard will be able to improve a lot in comparison to last year and be able to help the defense. This team is very similar to last year and must rely on the defense and the running game to lead them to wins, but I don’t think they will be able to beat most good teams.

Dec 7, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) stiff arms Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback

(24) at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Predictions:

Best Case Record: 9-7

Worst Case Record: 6-10

Prediction: 8-8

Team’s Offensive MVP: RB Jeremy Hill

Team’s Defensive MVP: DT Geno Atkins

Rookie Standout: T Cedric Ogbuehi

Last season the Bengals benefited from having a weak schedule, but that isn’t the case this year. They face the tough NFC west and the tough AFC west. I think the Bengals will beat the bad teams on their schedule and then they might go 3-3 or 4-2 in division. The upside is very low for Bengals because I don’t think they will be able to beat a lot of good teams.

The downside is a lot bigger as I think they could very well lose both games to Baltimore and lose to Arizona and lose another of the 50/50 games. The secondary isn’t as good anymore without Newman and Andy Dalton isn’t the solution at quarterback. Especially their first eight games are very tough, but if they can end those at 3-5 they still have a good chance.

Next: Steelers win again