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Predicting the entire 2020 NFL season before training camp

By Cody Williams

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens drops back to pass against the defense of the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium on December 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens drops back to pass against the defense of the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium on December 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

AFC North predictions for the 2020 NFL season

Baltimore Ravens* – 13-3
Cleveland Browns* – 11-5
Pittsburgh Steelers* – 9-7
Cincinnati Bengals – 3-13

Heading into last season, there was buzz about three teams from the AFC North potentially making it to the postseason — and that was back in the olden days when there were only six playoff teams coming out of each conference. Now with seven teams from each side, though, I think that’s a possibility for this division once again.

At the top, the Baltimore Ravens aren’t much of a question. Some worry about reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson regressing from a historic season. While he might not rush for over 1,200 yards, he can take a big leap as a passer. The biggest factor, though, is that an already good defense got better this offseason, trading for Calais Campbell and drafting Patrick Queen. The Ravens should compete for the No. 1 seed in the AFC once again.

That’s not a typo either; the Cleveland Browns are about to go 11-5. Last year was an unmitigated disaster under Freddie Kitchens. But the truth is that I don’t believe that’s who Baker Mayfield is as a player and the additions of new head coach Kevin Stefanski and a functional (or better) offensive line will bring that to light.

Some people are ready to crown the Pittsburgh Steelers as Super Bowl champs but, frankly, I’m a bit more skeptical. Is Ben Roethlisberger the same player at this age? More pressingly, can Big Ben stay healthy? This defense is good enough to carry the team to 9-7 even if the answer to those questions is tepid but they may not be as good as some people are projecting.

Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals have the potential to sneak up on some teams in the 2020 season. However, the offensive line and defense are still works in progress, which will limit their overall win total.

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