NFL Picks 2022: Predicting every division ahead of the 2022 season

AFC North NFL Picks for the 2022 Season

1. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens lost a lot of really close games last year. So many, in fact, that a handful of games going a coin flip the other way and Baltimore may have had one of the best records in the entire AFC, and that was with one injury after another. I think we’ll see a scorched earth kind of season from Lamar Jackson, and the Ravens returning to prominence as one of the best teams in the AFC.

2. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals got really hot at exactly the right time last year. Keep in mind, though, that the way they finished the season completely changed the optics of the state of this franchise. They had the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and made it all the way to the Super Bowl. I think it’s asking a lot of them to assume they’re going to be right back in the mix again in 2022. I think the Bengals take a step back in terms of their finish this season but the players all take steps forward as the organization continues to grow into a perennial contender.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers certainly have plenty of talent at the offensive skill positions. If Mitchell Trubisky can’t succeed in this kind of environment, the Steelers have first-round pick Kenny Pickett to turn to. This team could surprise a lot of people in 2022 if they can get strong play from Trubisky or Pickett (or both).

4. Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have a solid roster but they will be without their $230 million quarterback for 11 games this season. With all due respect to Jacoby Brissett and the rest of this Browns roster, how can you think this team is going to be anything but last place in the AFC North? Even if Watson wasn’t suspended, I’d be skeptical of how things would go for this team. The entire AFC North could have eight wins or better in 2022 if Brissett proves to be a worthy placeholder.