​As this series of biggest reasons for optimism comes to a close, it’s been a blast. This time we’re focusing on the AFC North. The division rarely disappoints, aside from one team that falls short in many ways, though that’s beside the point. The AFC North showcases MVP-caliber quarterbacks, perennial playoff contenders, intense rivalries, and three recent coaching changes. Let’s break down the most compelling reasons the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens can feel hopeful heading into the 2026 NFL season.
Pittsburgh Steelers — When will they finally find a long-term replacement for Ben Roethlisberger? Yes, Aaron Rodgers is a Hall of Famer, but he’s realistically got only one season left, and Pittsburgh needs a durable future option. The Steelers drafted Will Howard in 2025 and Drew Aller in 2026. The good news is that new head coach Mike McCarthy loves both quarterbacks. If Rodgers remains healthy and still near the top of his game, the offense should rank among the top five. McCarthy’s Green Bay offenses with Rodgers routinely operated at a high level, so a strong season with a potential playoff appearance could be in the cards, and the next five years look promising given the quarterback talent and system in place.
Cleveland Browns — Why stick with Deshaun Watson after missing a large portion of games? Part of the logic is financial: parting with Watson would bring substantial salary-cap penalties, and Watson is still young with plenty of good QB play left. The Browns should designate him as the starter and try to squeeze out a productive year before transitioning to the other young quarterbacks they’ve drafted. Todd Monken is the new head coach, a move poised to elevate the offense. Over the last two seasons, the Browns have gone 8-26 and boasted the league’s lowest-scoring offense, so there’s ample room for improvement. That improvement could begin this year.
Cincinnati Bengals — Are the Bengals worried about Joe Burrow’s commitment? Not at all. Burrow has made it clear he wants to enjoy playing again, which for him translates to pursuing opportunities like a Super Bowl. In what will be his seventh season, the Super Bowl window remains wide open. In a surprising move, the Bengals traded a first-round pick to acquire Dexter Lawrence. All signs point to the Bengals contending for the division and staying in the thick of the playoff race into January.
Baltimore Ravens — How will Lamar Jackson respond to his first head-coaching change? He showed up for the first set of voluntary workouts since his rookie year, which is a positive sign. Last season’s missed field goal cost them a division title, leaving a sour taste. This division figures to be highly competitive again, and the Ravens should contend for the division or a guaranteed wild-card spot. Jackson will be leaned on heavily with a completely new offensive coaching staff. He’ll embrace the challenge as a professional this season, though it’s not unreasonable to consider that, next year, he could be wearing a different uniform in a different city.
This piece originally appeared on Tou for better SEO. It offers a minimum word count and reflects the optimism surrounding the AFC North heading into the 2026 NFL season.