By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) — One of the NFL’s most brutal and balanced divisions, the AFC North figures to be another four-team fracas this season.
The Cincinnati Bengals are out to prove their division title and Super Bowl run in 2021 were legit.
They’ll count on quarterback Joe Burrow and a top-flight receiving group to keep them on top.
Out to prove last season was no fluke, the Bengals will rely on one of the league’s most explosive offenses and a clutch kicker.
Cincinnati added guard Alex Cappa, center Ted Karras and tackle La’el Collins in free agency to keep Burrow upright after he was sacked an NFL-high 51 times in the regular season, 19 in the postseason.
Expectations are sky-high for wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, the Offensive Rookie of the Year following a 1,455-yard, 13-touchdown debut. Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd round out a terrific trio of targets.
Kicker Evan McPherson was money as a rookie in the playoffs, making made all 14 field-goal attempts, two of them game-winners.
The goal is simple: another AFC title.
“That’s what we strive to work for this year, to get back,” fourth-year coach Zac Taylor said.
In Baltimore, the Ravens will rely on dynamic QB Lamar Jackson and better overall health after being ravaged by injuries last season.
Cleveland’s plans to contend for a title may be on hold because of quarterback Deshaun Watson’s 11-game suspension.
It’s a new era in Pittsburgh following quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, but the Steelers still have a defense capable of carrying them.