The 2026 NFL season promises a fierce battle in the AFC North, with all four teams – the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns – undergoing notable changes, including new coaching regimes and quarterback situations.
The Baltimore Ravens enter the season under new head coach Jesse Minter, the former defensive assistant who takes over after the team missed the playoffs in 2025. Despite a 8-9 record last year, the Ravens are projected to win 11.5 games in 2026. Key additions include star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell, alongside retaining guard John Simpson. However, the team will be without tight end Isaiah Likely, running back Keaton Mitchell, center Tyler Linderbaum, linebacker Kyle Van Noy, safety Alohi Gilman, and defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones. With Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers, Baltimore aims to return to elite contention, though injuries, which sidelined Jackson for four games in 2025, remain a concern. The Ravens are predicted to finish with a 13-4 record and secure a division title.
The Cincinnati Bengals, who haven't reached the playoffs since their 2021 Super Bowl appearance, are making a strong push to contend. Under coach Zac Taylor, and with a 2025 record of 6-11, they are expected to exceed their 10.5 win total. Significant additions include defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II from the Giants and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, plus safety Kyle Dugger. Departures include edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, edge rusher Joseph Ossai, linebacker Logan Wilson, quarterback Jake Browning, and tight end Noah Fant. The potent offense, featuring quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, remains intact. However, the offensive line, which has struggled since Burrow’s arrival and contributed to him missing 19 games over the past three seasons, remains an area of focus. The Bengals are predicted to finish 13-4, with Burrow leading them back to the postseason.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, 2026 is slated as quarterback Aaron Rodgers' final season, and the team has brought in his former Green Bay coach, Mike McCarthy. After a 10-7 record in 2025, their win total is set at 8.5. Pittsburgh acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and added running back Rico Dowdle to complement the backfield. Cornerback Jamel Dean also joins the team. Key departures include running back Kenneth Gainwell, safety Kyle Dugger, wide receiver Calvin Austin III, and offensive linemen Isaac Seumalo, Broderick Jones, and Andrus Peat. With DK Metcalf and Pittman Jr. as receiving targets and a healthy T.J. Watt, Rodgers has support for his final year. The team is predicted to finish 8-9, missing the playoffs.
The Cleveland Browns faced a challenging 2025 season with a 5-12 record and are projected to win just 5.5 games in 2026. The team is undergoing a significant defensive overhaul with the addition of Jared Verse, coinciding with the departure of Myles Garrett, who set a single-season sack record in 2025. The offensive line also sees considerable changes with new starters at tackle and guard. Key departures include tight end David Njoku, linebacker Devin Bush, and multiple offensive linemen. Despite the struggles, young receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, along with tight end Harold Fannin Jr., offer potential for the new nucleus under coach Todd Monken. The team has named Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback again. The Browns are predicted to finish 4-13, but Shedeur Sanders is expected to win a handful of games after replacing Watson, injecting hope for the future.
