1. Baltimore Ravens

When the time comes in the playoffs, will they actually use RB Derrick Henry or will they forget that he’s there?

2. Cincinnati Bengals

The health of their quarterback matters more to the Bengals than any franchise in the league.

3. Cleveland Browns

If QB Deshaun Watson has another subpar or injury shortened season, the grumblings will be louder about how Cleveland got fleeced in trading for him.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

The quest to stay above .500 continues with new quarterbacks and a new offensive coordinator.

Head Coach: John Harbaugh

Key Position: Offense

The top ranked rushing offense last season ran the ball only 16 times in the AFC Championship game against Kansas City. The final score was 17-10. It wasn’t a blowout, but rather Baltimore forgetting what got them to host their first conference title game. To remedy that, they signed RB Derrick Henry in free agency who has been a force since he arrived in the league. WR Zay Flowers should be even better after a solid rookie season. If TE Mark Andrews returns to form after suffering a broken leg late last season, that bodes well for the continuity of the passing game. TE Isaiah Likely played well in relief of Andrews for the last month and could be poised for a breakout season. The offensive line took a hit in free agency, but drafting Roger Rosengarten helps bolster it with the likes of Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum being the mainstays.

Key Acquisitions: RB Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans), DB Eddie Jackson (Chicago Bears)

Key Rookies: CB Nate Wiggins, OT Roger Rosengarten

Head Coach: Zac Taylor

Key Position: Offense

Just like with any team, you have to keep your quarterback healthy if you want to have any success in this day and age. Look no further than the Cincinnati Bengals when QB Joe Burrow goes down. They were fortunate with backup QB Jake Browning and his surprising performance as the Bengals went 4-3 with him at quarterback. Yet, it wasn’t enough as they missed the playoffs after being in consecutive AFC Championship games the previous two seasons. With a healthy Burrow, this will likely be the last season with both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as his top receiving targets. Higgins is playing on a franchise tag and Chase will be due for a massive extension. WR Jermaine Burton was a steal as a third round pick and will get a lot of favorable matchups. RB Joe Mixon was traded and he was replaced with Zack Moss. Chase Brown provides a good speed threat in the running game they haven’t had for quite some time. The offensive line was okay last year, but they cannot allow the quarterback to be sacked 50 times again. Trent Brown was signed to man the right tackle spot and they drafted Amarius Mims in the first round to eventually take over.

Key Acquisitions: DB Vonn Bell (Carolina Panthers), OT Trent Brown (New England Patriots), TE Mike Gesicki (New England Patriots), RB Zack Moss (Indianapolis Colts), DT Sheldon Rankins (Houston Texans), DB Geno Stone (Baltimore Ravens)

Key Rookies: OT Amarius Mims, DT Kris Jenkins Jr., WR Jermaine Burton

Head Coach: Kevin Stefanski

Key Position: Quarterback

When Deshaun Watson debuted for the Browns in 2022 after his suspension, he looked like someone who hadn’t played football in a year and a half. He sat out the entire 2021 season in Houston and the suspension cost him more than half of the 2022 season with Cleveland. 2023 was supposed to be a much better representation of what Watson brings to the franchise. While the team was 5-1 with him as the quarterback, his play left a lot on the table. He threw only 7 touchdown passes and had 4 interceptions in six games. When he fractured his shoulder, the team faltered and if it wasn’t for Joe Flacco, the Browns would have missed the playoffs altogether. They didn’t bring back Flacco and instead brought in QB Jameis Winston as a free agent to the be the new backup. Cleveland’s success depends a lot on whether Watson plays or doesn’t.

Key Acquisitions: LB Devin Bush (Seattle Seahawks), LB Jordan Hicks (Minnesota Vikings), DT Quinton Jefferson (NY Jets), WR Jerry Jeudy (Denver Broncos), QB Jameis Winston (New Orleans Saints)

Key Rookies: OL Zak Zinter

Head Coach: Mike Tomlin

Key Position: Quarterback

It is a complete and total reset at the quarterback position. They traded away former first round pick Kenny Pickett after only two seasons. They let backups Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky walk in free agency. For this season, they will go with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Wilson was signed for the minimum since he’s still being paid a gargantuan salary from Denver. Fields was acquired from Chicago for next to nothing. For the Steelers, this is a win-win if they can get production from either of these two. If they don’t, they aren’t tethered to them past this season. Other than WR George Pickens and TE Pat Freiermuth, there aren’t a whole lot of viable options for Wilson or Fields. RBs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are a good duo in the backfield who can catch passes as well.

Key Acquisitions: DB DeShon Elliott (Miami Dolphins), QB Justin Fields (Chicago Bears), CB Donte Jackson (Carolina Panthers), WR Van Jefferson (Atlanta Falcons), DL Dean Lowry (Minnesota Vikings), RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson (Atlanta Falcons), LB Patrick Queen (Baltimore Ravens), QB Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos)

Key Rookies: OL Troy Fautanu, OL Zach Frazier, WR Roman Wilson, LB Payton Wilson