If this is truly Aaron Rodgers’ swan song in the Steel City, then Pittsburgh will go all in for a division title and one more shot at a Super Bowl
By Matthew Serocki | July 28, 2026
The more things changed in the NFL, the more they often stayed the same in the AFC North. Baltimore and Pittsburgh traded division crowns and traditionally had stout defenses and stable coaching. Cincinnati would be up and down due to a high-powered offense, yet a historically awful defense. And the Browns were the Browns.
2025 turned most of those notions on their heads. Cleveland had the most reliable defense (4th in total defense) in the division, thanks to coordinator Jim Schwartz. Instead of getting the head coaching job after Kevin Stefanski left, owner Jimmy Haslam turned to Todd Monken.
The Steelers won the division but parted ways with long-time coach Mike Tomlin in the offseason. Former Packers and Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy takes over. The turnover extended to Baltimore, where John Harbaugh left for the New York Giants.
Former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter takes his spot. Those two coaching changes alone were historic. 2026 could also be Aaron Rodgers‘ final season. Will he follow through and retire at the end of the year? Here are predictions for the AFC North.
1 – PITTSBURGH STEELERS (DIVISION WINNER)
Pittsburgh used to be renowned for being one of the league’s most formidable defenses. In 2025, the unit finished 17th in points allowed (22.8) and 26th (356.9 yards per game) in total defense. The pass defense was one of the NFL’s worst (29th, 243.9 ypg). Despite the ranking, most of the secondary returns intact, with Jamel Dean joining the starting lineup.
McCarthy should also improve a 22nd-ranked passing offense and a 26th-ranked rushing attack. Losing Kenneth Gainwell but adding Rico Dowdle to the backfield and Michael Pittman to the receiving corps should lead to a more diverse attack. It should also help Rodgers have a productive final season (if he truly retires).
Despite ranking in the middle or bottom of the league in several offensive and defensive categories, Pittsburgh won the division. With the changes on offense, any lingering defensive shortcomings could be reduced by longer drives and an improved offensive attack.
2 – BALTIMORE RAVENS
Baltimore made a big splash in the off-season by signing defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Maxx Crosby was also a Raven for a short period before the trade was voided due to a failed physical. That generated several headlines, as did letting head coach John Harbaugh go to the Giants. Former Chargers’ defensive coordinator Jesse Minter takes the reins.
Minter’s arrival should help tighten up a unit that was 24th overall in total defense and 30th against the pass. On a team with Kyle Hamilton, that’s unacceptable. Former fullback Patrick Ricard and tight end Isaiah Likely joined Harbaugh on the Giants. Center Tyler Linderbaum, defensive linemen Taven Bryan and Dre’Mont Jones, and safety Alohi Gilman are also gone.
How far Baltimore truly goes will, as usual, come down to Lamar Jackson. He missed parts of last year and didn’t look like his normal, dynamic self when healthy. The Ravens didn’t do much to improve on a 27th-ranked passing attack.
That’s probably because Minter will ride the second-ranked rushing attack headed by Derrick Henry. The problem with that is that by not adding a top-level playmaker at receiver (again), defenses will key on Henry and Jackson. That could disappoint Baltimore fans yet again.
3 – CINCINNATI BENGALS
The problem with Cincinnati isn’t that they can’t compete in the division. The offense should be among the most potent attacks in the NFL as long as Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase stay healthy. Chase Brown isn’t a top-ten back but is a weapon as a rusher and receiver.
The defense has long been Cincinnati’s Achilles Heel, including last year. The Bengals couldn’t stop rain on a clear day, ranking 30th in points per game allowed (28.9). The unit was 31st in total defense and 32nd against the rush.
Adding Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen to the defensive line should help, but the linebacking corps could be just as porous. Losing Hendrickson to Baltimore will also limit the pass rush. Until ownership changes, the Bengals are likely to stay where they are – exciting yet a letdown behind Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
4 – CLEVELAND BROWNS
Along with death and taxes, the Browns being a mess of their own creation is also a certainty in life. Again, it comes down to ownership and picking unproven head coaches. Had John Harbaugh, Mike McCarthy, or Mike Tomlin taken over, the Browns could be in business. Not having the cache puts new head coach Todd Monken in a tough spot.
The defense, which was one of the few bright spots last year thanks to ranking 14th in points per game allowed and fourth in total defense (283.6), is going to be worse after losing Jim Schwartz. All-World Myles Garrett was traded for several draft picks and Jared Verse.
Even with the extra picks, the franchise hasn’t consistently shown the ability to target and develop talent. Carson Schwesinger was more likely an outlier than the first of many hits in the draft. The defense lost Garrett, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and linebacker Devin Bush
The offensive line lost Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin, and Joel Bitonio (retired). Adding two young receivers should help, but it may put more cooks in the kitchen, with Shedeur Sanders likely to start. Harold Fannin will likely be a focal point of the passing attack. Regardless, any optimism may vanish after Week 4.
Matthew Serocki is a freelance journalist based outside of Boston, Massachusetts. He’s been an avid NFL and MLB fan for over 35 years, and his favorite teams are the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and Washington Commanders.
Matt also writes about professional wrestling for Sportskeeda.
