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AFC North: 2016 Season Preview

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Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Corey Coleman (Baylor) is selected by the Cleveland Browns as the number fifteen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Corey Coleman (Baylor) is selected by the Cleveland Browns as the number fifteen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

The AFC North has been one of the best division in the NFL, but can they continue that trend in 2016?

The AFC North does not disappoint, from the Bengals and Steelers facing off in three games during the season and post-season, to the Ravens sweeping the Steelers. The AFC North will again be a division to watch and could see three playoff teams for the second time in three years.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have been the low man on the totem pole for years in this division, but that doesn’t mean they are soft, especially in the division. In the past three seasons, they have gone 5-13 in the division but have made it difficult, except for the losses with Manziel as quarterback.

In fact, take out Manziel’s first game against the Bengals in 2014, the Browns only lost their three other division games by a combined 15 points, with two of the three resulting in a field goal or less difference.

The Browns enter the 2016 season with a new quarterback, new head coach, and new front office personnel. They have brought in “Moneyball” executive Paul DePodesta, and head coach Hue Jackson, who Bengals fans will know as their former offensive coordinator. Robert Griffin III is calling the shots under center, at least to start the season, and cleaned up some older guys, while answering draft needs.

If you take the Browns lightly this season, they could just steal a win. However, we are still a good season or two away from them starting a discussion with playoff caliber. The question this season is, will RGIII return to his former pre-injury self.

Next: Baltimore Ravens

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