AFC North Roundtable: One reason why each team won't make the playoffs in 2024
With three teams making the playoffs in 2023 and all four primed for another postseason run, it's easy to see why the AFC North is the NFL's best division.But, this is the NFL, where anything can happen. And, no team is perfect. Every one has its weaknesses that can be exposed on the field, by […]
With three teams making the playoffs in 2023 and all four primed for another postseason run, it's easy to see why the AFC North is the NFL's best division.
But, this is the NFL, where anything can happen. And, no team is perfect. Every one has its weaknesses that can be exposed on the field, by injury, or a number of other factors.
So, what is the one thing that would surely keep the likes of the Bengals, Browns, Ravens, and Steelers out of the postseason? We'd thought we'd have some fun and get our AFCN writers to pitch on why think the other team, not their own team, misses the tournament in 2024.
Without further ado, let's dive in.
Steelers QB situation will sink their playoff hopes
“It has to start with the quarterbacks, right? You have a long-time veteran who hasn’t experienced much of any success in a handful of years, and a younger, more exciting option, who’s more potential than anything proven. Don’t get me wrong, Justin Fields has the makings of a potential late-bloomer, but I have eyeballs and have seen what he’s done. The Chicago Bears didn’t opt for Caleb Williams out of stupidity.
I don’t think Russell Wilson is useless to be fair, I just think in a division with Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, it’ll have to be the T.J. Watt-led defense that has to carry the Steel Curtain once again when the going gets tough. Pittsburgh is definitely built well enough to make things interesting like they always do, but unless travesty happens to Cincinnati and Baltimore, it’s hard for the Steelers to make something out of this season of experimentation.” – John Sheeran, A to Z Sports Cincinnati
Joe Burrow has to stay healthy if Bengals want to return to the postseason
“When looking at the Bengals, there are not many things that come to mind to stop them from making the playoffs. The one that should be talked about is the obvious one and that is if Joe Burrow suffers another significant injury that impacts his time on the field. Anytime you lose your franchise quarterback, especially to the talent of Burrow, you are going to be in a world of hurt.
Jake Browning kept the Bengals afloat last season but losing Burrow was deflating even when it didn’t appear to be. Significant injuries have impacted Burrow in two of his four NFL seasons. For the Bengals’ sake, he stays healthy in the last season that he will likely have both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to utilize.
Cincinnati has invested in the offensive line so much to keep their franchise player healthy and if that doesn’t happen in 2024 the Bengals could struggle to reach the postseason again.” – Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Cleveland
Ravens' trenches are the weak link that could keep them out of the playoffs
"Even though the Baltimore Ravens boast two-time MVP Lamar Jackson as signal caller, and one of the better defenses in the league, when you really do some digging there is cause for pessimism. On offense, the team signed Derrick Henry in the offseason to be the lead back. Henry has been durable and productive his whole career, but we know backs have a short shelf life in this league and he’s now over 30-years-old.
What might be more worrisome, however, is that the team is another Ronnie Stanley injury away from starting one of the worst lines in the sport outside of center Tyler Linderbaum. That combined with the fact that Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews are the only real receiving threats places a lot of pressure on Jackon’s shoulders.
Defensively, there is no disputing the star power with names like S Kyle Hamilton, DT Justin Madubuike, CB Marlon Humphrey, and LB Roquan Smith. But the front seven leaves a lot to be desired outside of Smith and Madubuike, particularly at the pass-rushing positions. If you can’t protect, and you can't rush the passer, good luck winning when it counts." – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh
Deshaun Watson has to come through for the Browns in 2024
"On paper, the Cleveland Browns have one of the best rosters in the entire NFL. The reigning DPOY, a CB trio that is unmatched, a sturdy offensive line, and a re-tooled WR room highlight the team.
But if Cleveland is going to miss the playoffs it’s because of one reason: QB play. The excuses are gone for Deshaun Watson. The rust is no longer a factor, being out of shape can’t be used as reasoning, and injuries have to cease if he is going to hold up his end of the $230m fully guaranteed contract he signed in 2022.
Cleveland did properly invest in the backup position after Joe Flacco departed, signing Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley as insurance policies. But betting on either one of them to mirror the reigning Comeback Player of the Year is a risky proposition." – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh
