NFL Divisional Finals Preview and Predictions: By Kyle Balfour

The Go For It On Fourth 32 for 32 Season Preview:

The 2017 AFC North:

Our 32 for 32 Season Preview continues with our second part, asking questions to a fan of each and every team in the league. Today, we turn our attention to the AFC North.

Baltimore Ravens: Marc Rafferty @MarcRafferty1

How was last season for you?

Last season was a bizarre one, being a Raven. We finished the season 8-8 and were one game away from the play-offs after a Christmas Day loss to the Steelers. When you factor in that we had seventeen players placed on IR before and during the season, and a QB who was returning after missing a number of games from the season previously with a torn ACL and MCL, I guess I can’t be too disappointed.

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

My knowledge on college players, and the players we drafted in general, isn’t the best, if I’m honest. I’m sure there are plenty like me who when the draft is finished, they read as much information on the players as possible. Our draft leaned very much on the side of Defence. In a division with the Steelers and Bengals, and all their offensive options, trying to win a scoring battle with them probably wouldn’t work, so we have went down the typical Ravens route of bulking up the Defence. I personally would’ve liked to have seen maybe a high pick on either an offensive lineman or running back, it’s the two positions I feel we’re a little short on standout players. Overall, I’m quite happy with it.

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

I think Joe is a real Marmite QB, you either love him or you hate him. Personally, I love him. With our OL being as bad as it has been, it’s hard for a player like him to be able to maintain any sort of form. The lack of depth at WR hasn’t helped Joe either. It’s easy to blame the Quarterback when things aren’t going well, but when you factor in everything, I’m not sure even Aaron Rodgers would’ve made a big difference.

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

There seems to be some real leaders in the locker room, but it’s hard to see past Eric Weddle. Like most, I was dumbfounded when the Chargers released him, and was over the moon when he decided to become a Raven. His play since arriving has been nothing short of excellent. If you look at the stories of when Tony Jefferson was signed, Weddle was influential in getting him to Baltimore. A real leader on and off the field for us.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

Unless things go seriously wrong somewhere, I can’t imagine that anyone will be on the hot seat. John Harbaugh has just signed a contract extension, so that would have you believe that owner Steve Bisciotti is more than happy with Harbaugh. If I had to choose someone it would be DC Dean Pees, with all the defensive pieces that have been added to the team, it seems like it would be harder to fail than succeed.

How did you come to support your team?

I think it was around 2007 I watched the film Any Given Sunday. I was interested in what actual players were in the film, so I read Lawrence Taylor’s book Over the Edge, and I was hooked from then. I started watching games and was leaning towards the Giants, but after watching old film of LT, Phil Sims, Mark Bavaro etc, I didn’t feel any connection to the current Giants team at the time. It was then I watched the Ravens, with a new head coach and a new QB and one of the newest teams in the NFL, it felt right that being a new fan of the sport I should pick them.

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

If you want to watch a team that’s going to win 45-43 every week, then the Ravens aren’t for you. Like any great sports teams, we have our ups and downs, but we are built on a foundation of playing tough defensive football, running the ball hard and kicking a few field goals (and hopefully more touchdowns this year!)

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

The D. Going by pre-season (I know you shouldn’t, but…) and how they played last year, we are going to give a lot of teams problems scoring against us. Also, if we can get our offensive line back to a reasonable level, then you never know what could happen.

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

Our run game probably isn’t what it should be. Going into the season with Terrance West and Danny Woodhead as our core RBs isn’t filling me with too much confidence tbh. Would’ve loved a trade to get someone else in after Kenneth Dixon went down for the year. Injuries seem to be a big problem for us in the last few years. Was starting to wonder if we were training our players by hitting them with baseball bats the amount of injuries we have suffered. Hopefully our bad luck is over with and we can show how good this team really can be.

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

It’s hard to look past someone like David Johnson at RB. Averaging 4.4 yards per carry can’t be a bad thing. Ravens football is all about running the ball on Offence.

Do you think the Ravens’ offensive line can do enough to protect Joe Flacco when he returns from injury?

We can only hope. We recently signed Austin Howard from the Raiders, and draft Nico Sirigusa in the fourth round, and Jermaine Eluemunor in the fifth Round. Hopefully these guys can come on and make a difference and improve the team to give the offence a chance to show what they can do. We have just traded for 2 Centres in the last few days from the Jags and the Cardinals. Can’t say I know a great deal about the two lads coming in so blindly hoping that can make an impact on the O-Line.

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team? What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

The big one is we will be a top 3 Defence. Also that Breshard Perriman shows why we drafted him in the first round a few years ago. We don’t seem to have had the best of luck with drafting receivers though, so I won’t hold my breath on that one. The signing of Jeremy Maclin was a good move for us though, also with Maclin probably playing in the slot and Perriman and Wallace stretch the field, the WR corp could look like a hundred times better than it has previously. Complete homer pick but if our offensive line is sorted then I can’t see any reason why we shouldn’t be challenging for the Lombardi. We are going to have one of the best Defences in the league, we have one of the best special teams.

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

Baltimore Ravens, obviously!

Anything else you’d like to say about the upcoming season, or anything you’d like to plug or mention?

I’m genuinely excited for the upcoming season. It could be the start of something special in Baltimore. With the new signings and getting the players back from injury last year, we could surprise a lot of people who think this team is just average. If it doesn’t go to plan…at least we aren’t the Browns!

Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Donnelly @mikeldonnelly

How was last season for you?

Elements of decision-making in the 2015/16 offseason influenced the team performance in my view. Allowing for the absence of Marvin Jones Jr. it was a case of letting Boyd get experience alongside AJ Green and Brandon LaFell as a receiver. The injury to Giovani Bernard also harmed any potential progress. I did not have high expectations, but I was impressed by how Andy Dalton continued to develop even further. 

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you feel your team fared in the draft and free agency?

Not particularly unusual for the Bengals to rely on recruiting players familiar to them for a second run. However, Andre Smith is not a player we needed in my opinion. A very expensive but overall average player who could cost us in extending a more valuable roster member in future.

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

I'm resolutely a fan of Andy Dalton. He is the one aspect of this club I trust and believe in for the season. 

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

I suspect 99/100 Bengals fans would tell you AJ Green is that player. I'll gladly be the one exception. Carlos Dunlap is our game-changer in key situations, and has shown consistency as a ferocious defensive-end. He is of course helped by the clever play of Geno Atkins at defensive-tackle, but #96 is my difference maker.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

Marvin Lewis is unlikely to be dismissed. In fact, there is expectation he will soon retire. Ken Zampese has the most to lose, as he was an inside-hire so to speak. I'd personally like to see Paul Guenther replaced as defensive co-ordinator but that's also unlikely.

How did you come to support your team?

I watched a game of gridiron many years ago before even understanding the game. The Bengals stuck in my memory due to those tiger stripes. So, when it occurred that I started gaining an interest in gridiron years later, they were my first and only choice.

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

The Bengals are never boring. The club personality fits the quirky uniform and the club celebrates its half-century this year. Some say club founder Paul Brown, who was also our first head coach, was instrumental in the evolution of how gridiron is played. They may be right.

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

The onus is on our division rivals to achieve what their talented rosters suggest. We have the benefit of being an unassuming club this season. 

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

A reinvigorated state rival in Cleveland could embarrass us, meaning a possible rock-bottom campaign in the AFC North for the first time in a long time.

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

It would be wonderful to have Julian Edelman as a clutch utility player in the offensive scheme. 

Can Marvin Lewis get this Bengals team back to the playoffs, and finally get them beyond the wildcard round? 

Not this season. It's not in my mindset to entertain a playoff win for several years.

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team? What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

I'd be satisfied with a .500 record based on this roster. I'm more interested in seeing player growth from younger players.

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

I expect Aaron Rodgers to win alongside his Green Bay teammates. They've added Martellus Bennett to an already dynamic group, so I'm excited to watch them go far.

Anything else you’d like to say about the upcoming season, or anything you’d like to plug or mention?

I don't think Colin Kaepernick will be alone in raising awareness of social justice issues in the United States this season. I expect more player engagement on the matter. Also, I'll be watching keenly to see how the newly plant-based players perform. 

Cleveland Browns: Simon Parkinson @BrownsUKSimon

How was last season for you?

Last season was the worst I've seen in nearly 30 years as a Browns fan. Just awful on all sides of the ball. With the QB carousel of RG3, McCown, Kessler, Hogan and Clipboard Jesus....not to mention Terrelle Pryor also taking snaps. The O-Line had more holes than a cheesehead which led to a league high sacks allowed. The D under Ray Horton was just horrible and mostly unwatchable. Couldn't get any pressure on the opposing QB and couldn't stop the run. Browns were lucky to get one win!

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

The Browns front office did their usual of trading up and down, whilst at the same time stockpiling future draft picks. The obvious choice with the number one was leading pass rusher Myles Garrett, and thankfully the Browns didn't disappoint. They also collected difference makers in key positions of need, in safety Jabrill Peppers and T.E. David Njoku, whilst netting a bargain in QB Deshone Kizer in the second round. Kizer was considered by many draft experts as the QB with the most upside. The Browns used free agency to upgrade the O-Line with the additions of Centre CJ Tretter and Guard Kevin Zeitler. They also added veteran WR Kenny Britt to replace Terrelle Pryor who disappointingly went to Washington. The acquisition of Brock Osweiler turned a few heads...paying his $16m contract from the Texans whilst also netting a second-round draft pick. In all the Browns front office look to have had a successful offseason filling big gaps on the roster whilst removing expensive veterans.

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

The Browns starting QBs are 1. Deshone Kizer followed by Kevin Hogan and Cody Kessler. Osweiler has just been cut following a poor pre-season. Kizer, whilst not spectacular, has had a good pre-season and deserves to get the shot at starting QB....hopefully he will prove to be the long-awaited franchise QB the Browns have been waiting 25 years for.

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

The main main beyond QB for me is Myles Garrett. I’m hoping (and am pretty certain) that Garrett will justify his status as the consensus number one draft pick. His performances in pre-season suggest he will.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

For me new DC Greg Williams is under pressure to put his money where his mouth is. He's very confident and doesn't mess about. He's also been given the players to make this Defence very exciting to watch. I'm looking for a big year from the Browns D!

How did you come to support your team?

I've supported Cleveland since 1987. The first game of American Football I ever watched was on Channel 4 between the Jets and Browns. It was a divisional playoff game (yes, the Browns used to be very good!). The game went to double overtime...I was hooked and decided to support whichever team won (what a choice). I've been a massive fan ever since.

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

Why not support the Browns....they are playing at Twickenham in October this year. They aren't that popular with the UK fan base. Instead of supporting one of the more popular team take a punt on an up and coming young team who will get better each year. You'll be hooked like me! Orange and Brown is also a great retro look!

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

I'm optimistic because of the various upgrades in personnel the Browns have made. They have a new attitude, will be strong and physical and will stand up to the bully boys in the AFC North.

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

My doubts for the Browns are mainly around the WR corps. I'm just not sure how good the WRs are. Hopefully 2016 no.1 draft pick WR Corey Coleman can live up to the billing this year after an injury hit disappointing season last year. I'm still unsure about Kenny Britt after a poor pre-season. The rest of the Browns WRs are young, inexperienced and unproven.

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

I’'d love to have a top QB at the Browns who can make the rest of the O look better...Aaron Rogers is the QB I love to watch. I'm envious of Packer fans who have had Brett Favre followed by Aaron Rogers over the last 20 years!

Myles Garrett, DeShone Kizer, Jabrill Peppers. Does the Cleveland Browns revival begin here?

The Browns revival definitely begins here for reasons I've already stated. After a 4-win pre-season for the first time since 1986....they have to establish a winning culture.

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team? What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

I'd regard it a successful season if the Browns could get 6 wins...I think that's a definite possibility with these players and coaching staff.

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

My division winner predictions are: AFC - Patriots/Steelers/Texans/Raiders. NFC - Giants/Seahawks/Packers/Falcons. Super Bowl: Patriots vs. Giants with a Patriots win. Sorry if this sounds boring.

Anything else you’d like to say about the upcoming season, or anything you’d like to plug or mention?

Really looking forward to this season and I'm hoping there could be some surprise teams that make the breakthrough this year. Can I mention the Aussie Guys NFL podcast/Twitter...very much worth a listen and a follow. I'm also hoping to be on Twitter with the @DundeeNFL guys...Martin and Russell this season...and you can follow me on Twitter @BrownsUKSimon.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Calum MacBain @calumMACB

How was last season for you?

Last season had its ups and downs, a good couple of offensive showings, particularly against the Redskins and the Chiefs but we also then saw pathetic performances against the Eagles and Dolphins. The Dolphins loss was the start of a 4-loss streak which is never good for a team with this much talent. However, the team rallied and won some very good games down the stretch to make the playoffs. We performed well in the Wild Card and the Divisional but sadly we just can’t seem to beat the Patriots, especially in Foxborough. Although Bell getting hurt early on seriously dented any chance we had.

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

I really liked our draft for the main part. I really like the look of TJ Watt and if he can perform anything like his brother then we really have a good OLB in the making. Juju Smith-Schuster is another pick that I really like, he is already getting compared to Hines Ward which is a player that I loved to watch, and typifies Steelers football. As for free agency, we never really make many moves so I don’t get as excited about that.

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

I love Big Ben and think he really is one of the best QB’s in the league, I just hope he sticks around for a few more years. As much as I love him, he does have a tendency to throw some really stupid INT’s when he really could have just thrown the ball away. Hopefully he can cut that out this season.

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

It’s got to be Le’veon Bell…whenever he turns up that is. He is just so dangerous and you never know what he is going to do. It’s amazing to watch him week in week out.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

I’d say Keith Butler, the defence did perform better as the season went on and it is a young group but if it doesn’t perform well this season with the amount of draft picks spent on it over the past couple of seasons, then questions will start to be raised.

How did you come to support your team?

Long story but my brother and I had NFL Faceoff on the PS1 and I always liked being the Pittsburgh Penguins (who I also support) so when choosing a team to start following I just stuck with the same city. Just turns out we also won Super Bowl XLII that year!

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

Because we have some of the best talents on offence in the league and an up-and-coming defence, so all of the attributes are there for us to finally have a shot at taking down the Pats…and who doesn’t hate the Pats?!

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

A stacked WR depth chart, great OL, and that young and fast defence lead by Ryan Shazier, wo I think will have a great season if he can stay healthy.

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

As it has been throughout the Tomlin era, losing to teams with losing records.

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

I really like Khalil Mack of the Oakland Raiders and he is someone we could really use to get more pressure on QBs.

With the window closing, can Big Ben lead the Steelers to the Super Bowl one more time?

I believe that he can, especially if we were to get homefield advantage, but that’s a long shot.

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team? What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

I really think that we could be anywhere from 11-14 wins this season. Few difficult games but most are at Heinz Field. I could see us getting to the AFC Championship Game again. Then it just depends on who we face and where.

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

Could see the Falcons atone for their previous errors.

Anything else you’d like to say about the upcoming season, or anything you’d like to plug or mention?

Let’s go Steelers!

P.S. Cowboys suck!