AFC North 2022 Predictions

At Ultimate Autographs, we are so much more than just sports Mystery Boxes or NFL Mystery Boxes. Set aside our live breaks, signed jerseys and autographed mini helmets and you will find some serious NFL insight. We will be breaking down every division and giving you our predictions on how things will play out!

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens - 2022 Prediction 10-7 - Wins AFC North

The fearless leader of the Ravens (Lamar Jackson) got injured toward the end of last season and as a result the Ravens finished 8-9. Getting him back along with guys like JK Dobbins, Marcus Peters and Derek Wolfe who all basically missed the entire season will be huge for this team. This squad also traded Marquise “Hollywood” Brown their young receiving core only got younger. However, 2nd year player Rashod Bateman showed flashes of brilliance last year and is expected to step up into that lead role. Mark Andrews lead all tight ends in production last year and anytime that you have a force like him, it takes the pressure off the other pass-catchers. 

The Ravens also had one of the best drafts out of the entire NFL last season. At the 14th pick, they took a player in Kyle Hamilton that many expected to be selected top 10. Then at pick 25 they helped sure up their offensive line and took arguably the best interior offensive lineman in the draft in the form of Tyler Linderbaum. Then in the 2nd round David Ojabo fell into their lap because of an offseason injury. Before that time many expected Ojabo to go within the top 10. With these additions and health, we expect the Ravens to win the AFC North.

Cincinnati Bengals - 2022 Prediction 10-7 - Wild Card Team

To say that the Bengals were the surprise team of 2021 would be an understatement. They went from being the worst team in the NFL to the Super Bowl in just one season. Joe Burrow came back from a horrific injury and they added his former college teammate Ja’Marr Chase with the 5th overall pick in 2021 and that seemed to make all the difference. The Bengals probably have the most impressive lineup of young skill position players in the NFL.

The team added some nice defensive pieces this offseason via the draft, but the biggest addition came via the free agent market. This team was dying for some offensive line help and that came through in a major way by adding right tackle La’el Collins from the Dallas Cowboys and right guard Alex Cappa from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If they can help keep Joe Burrow upright, this team could be unstoppable.

Pittsburgh Steelers - 2022 Prediction 8-9 

The Steelers snuck into the playoffs last season. However, that seems like a much taller task in 2022 without the Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Sure, “Big Ben” wasn’t the same quarterback that he was earlier in his career, but his knowledge and leadership cannot be understated. 

That means all eyes are on the 1st round pick from the University of Pittsburgh, Kenny Pickett. He was highly regarded as the most pro-ready player at his position in his class, but one thing that can be tricky for rookies is getting the ball out quickly and with how bad this offensive line is expected to be, he will need to have a very quick release. 

This defense will have to carry the load once again. Fortunately for Steelers fans, they have one of the best units in the league. 

Cleveland Browns - 2022 Prediction 7-9

This is probably the most difficult team to rank this coming season. Most of that stems from the uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson. Many believe that there will be at the very least a small suspension. Then there are others that believe that he could end up being a multiple-year suspension. With Watson, the Browns could be Super Bowl contenders. Without him they could be looking at picking in the top 10 next season. 

Lost in all of this was the incredible trade they made to acquire Amari Cooper from the Dallas Cowboys. Essentially, Cleveland only gave up a 5th-round pick to take on his salary, a salary that doesn’t look too bad compared to what we saw transpire in the free-agent market.