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Breaking down the Cleveland Browns and the AFC North

By Greg Newland

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Sione Takitaki #44 of the Cleveland Browns attempts to tackle Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Sione Takitaki #44 of the Cleveland Browns attempts to tackle Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 30: A.J. Green #18 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates the game-winning touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 30, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are the favorites for a fourth-place finish in the AFC North this year, but this will not be a team that just rolls over. With the first pick of the 2020 draft, the Bengals selected LSU quarterback, Joe Burrow. While it is tough to expect a rookie quarterback to thrive in year one, the Southern Ohio native had as impressive of a final year of college as anyone in recent history.

Not only do the Bengals have a new franchise quarterback, but they will also be getting back all-pro wide receiver A.J. Green who missed the entire 2019 season because of a foot injury. There’s some belief that Green may be unhappy with his current contract situation, but to this point, it appears he will be fully healthy and ready to play.

The Bengals have historically built in the draft and been quiet during free agency, but that was not the case during the 2020 offseason. The Bengals brought in eight free agents including three high dollar players which include defensive tackle D.J. Reader, cornerback Trae Waynes, and safety Von Bell. There was a major focus on the defensive side of the ball to stop the powerful offenses in the AFC North.

While the money was spent on the defense, the Bengals offense will also have some weapons. Rookies Burrow and Tee Higgins (wide receiver) will be expected to contribute early and often and don’t forget 2019 first-round pick Jonah Williams (offensive tackle) who didn’t play last season because of injuries.

It will be an uphill climb for the Bengals this season as they move on from a long time quarterback Andy Dalton. If Burrow clicks early, the Bengals could be a 7 or 8-win team in 2020. However, look for the development to take some time and the Bengals will be back in the top ten for draft picks in 2021.

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