AFC North 2025 preview: Rodgers–Steelers, Jackson–Ravens

The AFC North will be in the spotlight this season, first and foremost because Aaron Rodgers has finally joined the Pittsburgh Steelers for what he says will be his final year – a “Last Dance” alongside new arrival DK Metcalf.

The two promise fireworks in Pittsburgh’s offense, yet standing in their way are the Baltimore Ravens, who look ready to seize control of the division.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens once again look primed to chase the AFC crown. Lamar Jackson, ranked No. 2 in the NFL’s Top 100 for 2025, commands an offense featuring Derrick Henry, DeAndre Hopkins, Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Baltimore went 12-5 last season, winning the North before knocking out the Steelers 28-14 in the Wild Card round and then narrowly falling to the Bills 27-25 in the Divisional.

Key player: Lamar Jackson, quarterback, 28.

Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow is back from injury and determined to deliver. He still has his go-to target in Ja’Marr Chase, with Tee Higgins, Chase Brown and new tight end Noah Fant rounding out the weapons. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson will also play with fresh incentive after his pay bump – he’ll make $30 million this year.

Key player: Ja’Marr Chase, wide receiver, 25.

Cleveland Browns

Cleveland has turned to Joe Flacco to open the season with Deshaun Watson sidelined. Behind him are rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. On defense, Myles Garrett and Mason Graham lead a unit looking to erase the memory of last year’s collapse – a 3-14 finish that left the Browns at the bottom of the division and near the bottom of the league.

Key player: Myles Garrett, defensive end, 29.

Pittsburgh Steelers

This is the headline act: Aaron Rodgers suiting up for his final season in the NFL.After Pittsburgh moved on from Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, Rodgers steps in, with DK Metcalf arriving from Seattle to be his main target. Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods and rookie Roman Wilson will compete for roles after George Pickens departed for Dallas. Tight end Pat Freiermuth is back healthy, while T.J. Watt and Joey Porter Jr. anchor the defense.

Key player: Aaron Rodgers, quarterback, 41.

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