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Last week I previewed the AFC East, with the Jets, Bills and Dolphins battling for glory in a particularly stacked division. This week we turn to the AFC North, where Lamar Jackson got his ‘bag,’ Joe Burrow’s already hurt and Deshaun Watson looks to turn his tumbling career around. Let’s dive in and take a closer look.Â
4. Cleveland Browns
Last season’s record: 7-10
Current Vegas Over/Under: 9.5
Frascella’s Prediction: 8-9
The storyline: It’s the first full season for Deshaun Watson in Cleveland, and expectations are high. WR1 Amari Cooper is coming off an outstanding campaign, and athletic WR Elijah Moore has been added to Cleveland’s passing attack. Was Watson’s poor performance last season simply a matter of rust? I guess time will tell.Â
Fantasy sleeper: WR2 Donovan Peoples-Jones is being overlooked because of the Browns’ acquisition of Moore. No risk of taking “DPJ” late, as his ADP is almost non-existent. Watson displayed good chemistry with DPJ last year.Â
Fantasy bust: My gut tells me Watson will never return to the player he was with the Houston Texans. Too many controversies, too much stress, too much time off. I think he’ll be okay but won’t have the mega bounce back many are expecting.Â
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Last season’s record: 9-8
Current Vegas Over/Under: 8.5
Frascella’s Prediction: 9-8
The storyline: Superstar T.J. Watt is back… and can QB Kenny Pickett make ‘The Leap’ in Year 2?Â
Fantasy sleeper: WR Diontae Johnson’s fantasy stock has been falling because of a lack of touchdowns last season. Still, he’s a very versatile route runner who will give Pickett plenty of opportunities to succeed. Considering Johnson’s tumble down the rankings, he’s a solid pickup at current ADP (WR33).Â
Fantasy bust: Allen Robinson… because he always ends up being the bust, right? It’ll either have to be him or TE Pat Freiermuth, but Big Pat has simply been too reliable for me to count him out. I have to go with A-Rob as the one who doesn’t connect on his potential in a talented Steelers’ offensive group.Â
2. Cincinnati BengalsÂ
Last season’s record: 12-4
Current Vegas Over/Under: 10.5
Frascella’s Prediction: 10-7
The storyline: Joe Burrow goes down… in training camp?? Personally, I never would have allowed that to happen. How much can this team accomplish with Trevor Siemian under center in the meantime?Â
Fantasy sleeper: Irv Smith. You ever hear this one before? Irv is (seemingly) a yearly fantasy sleeper, but this time he could actually ‘hit’ upon Burrow’s eventual return from injury. Don’t expect much with Siemian under center, though.Â
Fantasy bust: Is it worth it to gamble on Ja’Marr Chase when we don’t truly know Burrow’s timetable for return? Of course, in Chase’s area, we are looking at studs like Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams and Stefon Diggs. What if Chase’s potential slow start with Siemian puts us in an early hole in redraft?Â
1. Baltimore Ravens
Last season’s record: 10-7
Current Vegas Over/Under: 10.5
Frascella’s Prediction: 12-5
The storyline: Lamar Jackson finally got his bag… so can he finally stay healthy now?Â
Fantasy sleeper: Rashod Bateman is currently injured, making his ADP awfully tasty at the moment. When healthy, is there a chance he could outperform both rookie Zay Flowers and veteran Odell Beckham? Sure, it’s possible. Definitely worth the low-risk selection.Â
Fantasy bust: I like JK Dobbins’ individual skillset, but do we have any evidence that he can remain healthy and carry the load as a true bell cow RB1? I’m not sure we do, yet Dobbins appears to be climbing up many draft boards. Might be a little too risky for me, with Kenneth Walker, Miles Sanders and sometimes even Aaron Jones in his area. Sometimes we simply need to see the proof in the pudding.Â
I’ll see ya right back here next week for the AFC South!Â
John Frascella’s NFL Preseason Predictions to Date
1. Baltimore Ravens: 12-5
2. New York Jets: 12-5
3. Buffalo Bills: 11-6
4. Miami Dolphins: 10-7
5. Cincinnati Bengals: 10-7
6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 9-8
7. Cleveland Browns: 8-9
8. New England Patriots: 7-10Â
