In the story of the 2024 NFL season, the AFC North features one of the most interesting and ambitious plots around. And just look at how far Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has come. He returned with a vengeance after a hip injury limited him to two games last year. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has one clear goal, and that’s to win a Super Bowl championship. If Murley’s actions are any indication, he’s not willing to stop there. After Aaron Rodgers landed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and all-time great kicker Justin Tucker‘s future is in question, the division is set for a tight race.
Burrow is more than a year past a season ending wrist injury that needed surgery back in November 2023. Though his physical recovery continues, his mental recovery has gone well, contributing to a spectacular 2024 comeback season. Burrow finished third in Total QBR, behind only Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. His outstanding play earned him a fourth-place finish in the MVP voting, making evident the ways Burrow has been able to carry the Bengals on his back.
Burrow’s Dominance and Team Stability
In 2024, Joe Burrow demonstrated his prowess on the field, aided by the return of his top three receiving options. The Bengals doubled down on contracts for Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and their TE Mike Gesicki, guaranteeing stability and still tons of talent while their offense was young. This trio has already turned into a huge investment for the franchise, with the three players’ combined average annual salary at $124 million.
The Bengals’ offensive philosophy rests on Burrow’s chemistry with these foundational pieces. That chemistry they’ve all built and shared over the years is what makes Cincinnati such a dangerous team to face in the AFC North.
“You keep striving forward to stack those games together and put three or four really good games together, error-free games together, and go ahead and win a Super Bowl.” – John Harbaugh
Burrow’s focus remains on achieving postseason success, and with a strong supporting cast, he aims to capitalize on his growing experience as a leader.
Jackson’s Legacy and Ravens’ Ambitions
Lamar Jackson now stands on the other side of the AFC North rivalry. He’s proven to be one of the very best quarterbacks in the league. Over the past seven seasons, Jackson has won two MVP awards and led the Ravens to 70 victories. He finished first in Total QBR in 2024, establishing him as one of the game’s elite quarterbacks.
Individual awards and honors do not satisfy Jackson. As such, his sights are squarely set on winning a Super Bowl, an accomplishment that has so far proved to be out of reach for him. With other starting quarterbacks in the division having already secured championship titles, Jackson feels an urgency to bring Baltimore its second Lombardi Trophy.
Now, the Ravens have put together what most are calling the most talented roster in franchise history during Jackson’s tenure. The Lions’ team depth and accumulated talent give them high hopes for the current campaign.
Rodgers’ Final Chapter and Tucker’s Troubles
In a shocker, Aaron Rodgers signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on June 7, 2024. The ever-popular veteran quarterback known to some as the “G.O.A.T.” is preparing for his final season in the league. He comes to Pittsburgh with deep experience as an urbanist, eager to make his mark. During the entirety of 2024, he took an average of 2.69 seconds to throw while holding a 6.6-yard average throw distance.
Nonetheless, Rodgers’ presence certainly adds another layer of complexity to the AFC North landscape. The Steelers will look to maximize his highly unusual skill set while turning the page on a new era for their franchise.
Meanwhile, Justin Tucker’s situation has cast a shadow over the Ravens’ camp. Following a 10-week ban related to an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, Tucker was cut by Baltimore in May. This decision leaves a huge void in the team’s special teams unit. It creates an unrealistic – and dangerous – belief in their ability to truly perform under pressure.
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