The Steelers were able to stay in the hunt in a tough AFC North division for these predictions with all the teams involved.
The Steelers are underdogs heading into the 2022 season, which is not something new for this club. They have been under that mantra for the past couple of years as their Hall of Fame quarterbacks’ career winded down to a close. Now there is a new dawn in Pittsburgh that will excite some and worry others.
The AFC North division has been one dominated by the black and gold along with their hated rival, the Baltimore Ravens. Both have gone back and forth by winning the division for the majority over the past couple of decades. The division is getting tougher, and all four teams could push for competency in the NFL.
Cleveland Browns finish last with a 7-10 record
The Cleveland Browns are not the same team that many remember as the jokes of the league. They are now mocked and scrutinized for other reasons, mostly their employment of an accused quarterback that was suspended by the NFL. Deshaun Watson was a great talent before the different accusations occurred and had him miss extended time away from the game.
Watson will not play until week 13 and that is going to cause the Browns to lose a lot of games. Even with Watson in the fold, there is no certainty that he will return to form. It is going to be an ugly start for the Browns, but they could finish strong. Cleveland has a talented roster, but the subtraction at their signal caller position will put them in the doghouse. That will cause them to finish last in the AFC North.
Pittsburgh Steelers finish in third place with a 9-8 record
The Steelers still hold onto third place in the AFC North for 2022 as many do not expect them to make much noise. This is a tough spot for this team as there are a lot of unknowns entering the season. Mike Tomlin will have his club ready for game day and that will lead to another steady effort to another non-losing outcome.
This year will be a rollercoaster of emotions for the fans that cheer on Pittsburgh. Quarterback controversy and other areas of concern could lead to some interesting headlines as the schedule pushes on. The team does not have the toughest slate of games and they could stick in the hunt for a while or even clinch the playoffs if some bounces go their way.
Baltimore Ravens come in second place with a 10-7 record
The Baltimore Ravens finish in second place after suffering from several injuries that hampered them last year. They should keep their health together and keep the club moving down the field with their offensive output. Lamar Jackson seems like he will have a bounce-back performance as he is looking for a giant contract soon.
This roster that Baltimore has assembled has talent all over it. The defensive front seems like it could use some work, but the secondary has talent throughout. The offensive line is improved but will not be the best in the NFL either. This team always finds a way to stay in the playoff conversation and they should make it this time.
Cincinnati Bengals win the division with an 11-6 record
The Cincinnati Bengals will clinch the AFC North title again in 2022, which overcomes the odds. The trend of a team winning this division back-to-back is very uncommon but the Bengals have a talented roster, it might even be improved from last season. They made it to the Super Bowl and lost, but this improved club could really push to get past that hump.
The schedule is not overly complicated for these cats as they hope to get to the big dance yet again. Getting through the playoffs against other giants in the AFC like the Bills and Chiefs will be their major cause for concern. Cincinnati is going to be a good football team for a long time with Joe Burrow at quarterback.
The Steelers were able to hold onto third place in the division, which will be very competitive. The AFC North will still be one of the best in the NFL, despite some clubs facing different issues.