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The NFL offseason has been a fun one so far, with lots of money being thrown around.
The AFC North hasn't been very involved, however, more focused on resigning players, such as Ronnie Stanley, Tee Higgins, and Myles Garrett.
The Steelers and Browns are both in need of a quarterback, so their current outlook is a bit cloudy. The Ravens and Bengals should be running back relatively similar teams.
In what should be a competitive division once again, here is a way too early prediction for the AFC North standings in 2025.
1. Baltimore Ravens
While the Steelers (with a QB) and Bengals should challenge the Ravens for the division title again, the Ravens are the clear top team in the division.
They finished 12-5 last season, they still have yearly MVP candidate Lamar Jackson and also have Derrick Henry and a great defense.
Entering the playoffs as the third seed last year, the Ravens nearly beat the Bills with a chance to beat the Chiefs in the AFC title game to take on the Eagles in the Super Bowl.
There's no reason the Ravens can't once again be Super Bowl contenders next year.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are likely keeping Tee Higgins, meaning they still have an elite offense led by Joe Burrow. The main thing holding them back from the top spot of the division is their defense.
Trey Hendrickson has reportedly requested a trade, which should significantly impact their pass rush. They have some solid players in the secondary, but ever since losing Jessie Bates, they've been lacking a bit on the back end.
If the team can address the defense with pick 17 in one of those areas, the defense could look much better next season.
As long as the Bengals have Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins all healthy, it is hard to imagine them not competing for the top of the division.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers will definitely address the quarterback hole with a veteran, such as Aaron Rodgers, but even if they don't in a significant way, Mike Tomlin always seems to lead the team to a winning record.
Finishing 10-7 last year, it would be hard to imagine the team finishing much differently, especially after trading for wide receiver DK Metcalf to help out whoever starts at QB.
As long as the defense can continue to hold up and slow down the elite offenses of the Ravens and Bengals, they should be challenging for the top of the division. They sit third for now, but could easily finish above the Bengals in second place.
More news: Steelers Might Turn to Concerning QB Option If Aaron Rodgers Doesn't Sign
4. Cleveland Browns
The Browns are similar to the Steelers in the sense that they are in desperate need of a quarterback currently. However, as the second-worst team in the NFL last season, it is hard to imagine them coming close to the other three teams.
Extending Myles Garrett is a good step, but whoever they pick with the second overall pick needs to be huge in order to surpass anyone in the division.
Kevin Stefanski is a solid coach and the defense has been solid over the years, but until the offense figures things out, the Browns will remain at the bottom of the division.
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About the writer
Seth Quinn is a contributing sports writer based in Massachusetts. His focus is on sports, primarily the NFL and NBA. He has in depth ... Read more