2016 NFL predictions: Super Bowl XLXI and more
JJ: Bengals. For the most part, Cincinnati was one damn impressive team in 2015 and they should continue that in 2016. Andy Dalton will be back healthy and they should go on yet another impressive roll through the season, and the defense should do their part as well. They suffered a tough loss with Dalton’s injury down the stretch this past season, so he’ll be on sort of a revenge tour in 2016, especially if A.J. McCarron is the reason they get bounced from these playoffs.
MV: Ravens. Baltimore was ravaged by injuries so people forget just how talented this team is. Some were even picking the Ravens to make it to the Super Bowl this season. Baltimore has a ton of upside and will now get a top draft pick to supplement its already solid roster. Look for a bounce-back season in Charm City.
MD: Steelers. Sorry Bengals fans, as impressive as your 2015 run was there was a depleted team in Pittsburgh. A team that was already heavily reliant on offense suffered several injuries on offense, losing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger at two different times during the season. Then they lost superstar running back Le’Veon Bell for the season. And despite all this, and a uncharacteristically weak defense, they still managed to reach the playoffs, albeit with a little help from the Buffalo Bills. But that isn’t something to hold against them giving what they overcame to reach the playoffs.
JH: Steelers. They somehow made it into the playoffs this year despite not having Big Ben at two separate times this season and losing Le’Veon Bell at a critical point in the year. The Steelers have a way of being so-so one year and then bouncing back in a big way the next — something that is bound to happen next year, clearly even if they live through injuries.
JB: Pittsburgh. The offense is already in place and should be even better next year when Le’Veon Bell gets healthy, which is a scary thought for all the other North teams. A few smart draft picks and a key free agent or two and Pittsburgh will not only be right back atop the division, but the conference as well. Baltimore has too many holes; Cincinnati is a concern, but also and interesting team in that it won so many close contests this year; and the Browns still reside in Cleveland.
PA: Bengals. Regardless of what happens in the playoffs this season, Cinci is the most complete team in the North. Pittsburgh’s offense is explosive but their defense is nothing to write home about. Dalton and Green will reign again in the North.
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