The Baltimore Ravens won the AFC North for the second year in a row in 2024. Could they end up reaching a three-peat for the first time in their franchise history? As they chase history, the rest of the division has a lot to compete for, as well.
The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t finished with a record below the .500 mark since Mike Tomlin became their head coach. The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to get back to the postseason, and the Cleveland Browns are still seeking their first division win since 1989. Using data from the PFSN NFL Playoff Predictor, join us as we take a look at the current projections for the AFC North in 2025.
1) Baltimore Ravens
- Projected Win-Loss Record: 10.6-6.4
- Division Win Probability: 62.90%
- Playoff Probability: 81.40%
- Super Bowl Probability: 11.90%
Since Lamar Jackson took over as the Ravens’ starting quarterback in 2019, they’ve been at or near the top of the AFC North every season. Given that they retained most of their contributors and coaching staff from their 12-5 campaign last year, there’s little reason to think they won’t be a threat again in 2025.
Baltimore is a well-coached team with an elite running game, a passing game that continues to improve, and a rock-solid defense that can generate pressure. The hope is that additions like Jaire Alexander, Malaki Starks, and DeAndre Hopkins can help get them over the hump. If they pan out, it won’t just be the AFC North that the Ravens end up winning.
Heard @ASchatzNFL drop this stat from the @FTNFantasy Almanac on @minakimes show so I had to grab it.
The two best five-years runs for a team without a Super Bowl appearance in NFL history, by DVOA
The 2020-2024 Baltimore Ravens
The 2020-2024 Buffalo Bills pic.twitter.com/gZEm894zlh— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) July 24, 2025
2) Cincinnati Bengals
- Projected Win-Loss Record: 9.1-7.9
- Division Win Probability: 27.70%
- Playoff Probability: 56.20%
- Super Bowl Probability: 3.70%
Featuring one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, the Bengals have the talent to score enough to hang with any team in the league. Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown are among those whose talents should keep Cincinnati extremely competitive within the AFC North.
After giving Trey Hendrickson a raise for the 2025 season, the Bengals assured that they’ll have their top defender on the roster. But they made a few upgrades to a defense that allowed over 30 points six times in 2024. Their offense will keep them in the playoff hunt, but their defense will determine how far they get.
3) Pittsburgh Steelers
- Projected Win-Loss Record: 7.3-9.7
- Division Win Probability: 7.30%
- Playoff Probability: 21.20%
- Super Bowl Probability: 0.50%
There’s an expected level of success in Pittsburgh, as the Steelers have consistently been in the playoffs or around the conversation for the entirety of Mike Tomlin’s 18-year tenure as head coach. As he heads into Year 19, the PFSN NFL Playoff Predictor has his streak without a losing season ending in 2024.
Additions like Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey, and Jonnu Smith indicate the Steelers are better on paper than their 10-7 team last season. However, Rodgers isn’t the player he used to be, and most of their top performers are 30 years old or older. There’s no guarantee their aggressive offseason pays off in the form of AFC North hardware.
Big Ben on Aaron Rodgers and Dk Metcalf:
“When they get going I’m telling you it’s going to be something special.”#steelers
🎥Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger pic.twitter.com/msd8NFBgY7
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) August 19, 2025
4) Cleveland Browns
- Projected Win-Loss Record: 6.0-11.0
- Division Win Probability: 2.60%
- Playoff Probability: 8.10%
- Super Bowl Probability: 0.10%
Given the unpredictability of the NFL, the PFSN NFL Playoff Predictor generally errs on the side of caution with win-loss records. Although the worst team in the league will surely have fewer than six wins in 2025, the Browns are currently projected to have the lowest average win total in the simulator this season.
Cleveland’s hopes for the new year lie in the hands of Joe Flacco, a quarterback who’s in the twilight of his career and isn’t what he used to be. The defense should remain strong under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, but they likely lack the offensive firepower and a well-rounded enough roster to make much noise this year.
