Who Wins the AFC North in 2026? Here's The Bystander Sports Pick

Who Wins the AFC North in 2026?

Here's The Bystander Sports Pick

Here's the Bystander Sports pick on who wins the AFC North this year:

The Baltimore Ravens are trying to bounce back from an 8-9 season. The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to return to the playoffs after missing them for three straight seasons. The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off an AFC North championship and are hoping to prove last season was the beginning of something bigger. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns are entering a new era under head coach Todd Monken. On paper, there is a legitimate argument for all four teams.

But when it comes down to it, this Bystander is picking the Baltimore Ravens to win the AFC North in 2026. 

Why the Ravens?

Lamar Jackson. He remains one of the most difficult players in the NFL to defend. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs completely changes the way defenses have to approach the Ravens. When you combine Jackson with Derrick Henry, an improved offensive line, a talented receiving group and a defense that has plenty of young talent, the Ravens have the ingredients to get back to the top of the division. 

The Ravens also addressed a soft pass defense by adding veterans such as Trey Hendrickson, giving Minter the pieces to restore the physical, opportunistic identity that defined the franchise for years.

If the pass rush improves and the secondary plays up to its potential, Baltimore could quickly go from a questionable defense to a very good one. And a very good defense paired with Lamar Jackson is a dangerous combination.

The Bengals Are the Biggest Threat

If there is one team that could knock Baltimore off the top of the AFC North, it's Cincinnati.

Joe Burrow remains the biggest reason for optimism. He’s also the main reason why I think the Bengals don’t win the division. 

When Burrow is healthy, the Bengals have an offense capable of scoring against anyone. Cincinnati has also made moves to improve its roster, including acquiring defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence after trading the 10th overall pick to the New York Giants.

The Bengals are coming off a disappointing 6-11 season, but that record doesn't necessarily tell the whole story of what Cincinnati can become. This is a team that can change its fortunes quickly if Burrow plays at an MVP-caliber level.

Several preseason projections have Cincinnati as a serious contender for the division, and some analysts have even picked the Bengals to finish first and I am one of them. However, everything is hinged on Burrow’s health. If he is healthy, they can win the division. Unfortunately, that is also the biggest question mark, can he stay healthy?

The Steel City

Pittsburgh Steelers are the defending champions after a 10-7 division title in 2025 with Aaron Rodgers. Mike McCarthy takes over for Mike Tomlin, and the roster still has talent (DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., a solid run game, and competitive defense). 

Aaron Rodgers’ reuniting with Mike McCarthy could reignite some magic. Rodgers’ experience and the organization’s culture of competitiveness keep them in the conversation.

The Browns Are The Browns

Cleveland is coming off a 5-12 season and has a new head coach in Todd Monken. The Browns also made a major quarterback decision to begin the season, with Deshaun Watson being named the starter after returning from a long injury absence.

There is talent on this roster, and the defense remains to be the bright spot. But they are simply not ready to compete to win the division. I don’t expect much more than a repeat of last season’s record. 

Could the Browns surprise people? Absolutely.

Could they finish last? More than likely. 

The Bottom Line

The Ravens enter 2026 with the best combination of proven star power at quarterback, roster talent, and motivation after a lost year. If Lamar stays healthy and the new coaching staff stabilizes the defense, Baltimore reclaims the division. The Bengals are right there if everything breaks their way on health and the defensive improvement, while the Steelers will be competitive but are more likely to fight for a wild-card spot than repeat as champions.

However, if the Bengals stay healthy, don't be surprised if the Bengals win the division.