AFC North Training Camp Update

Teams are in full training camp mode and preseason games are getting played. The AFC North has several teams trying to not only compete with each other but against the loaded AFC conference. With the rookie draft complete, let’s dive into training camp rumblings prior to the first preseason game for most.

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens had a busy offseason by securing Lamar Jackson as the franchise QB with a massive deal, getting Todd Monken as their new offensive coordinator, and adding wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. & Zay Flowers. Will all these moves on offense translate to success in the passing game that has alluded the Ravens for years?

Coach Monken seems to be fitting well into the organization. He has the tall task of increasing the offense’s passing attack and having Lamar take the next step as a passer. The Ravens will also have three first-round wide receivers. Fantasy football players are basically throwing darts at which wide receiver to target in drafts. Realistically each week a different wide receiver may boom while the others bust. The safest bet outside of Lamar Jackson to draft is Mark Andrews.

Another issue the Ravens have had to deal with in this training camp is the running back position. JK Dobbins has been placed on the PUP list while also voicing contract concerns. They signed Melvin Gordon as insurance. Fantasy football players will have to keep an eye on the Ravens’ roster moves as I fully expect Dobbins to be off the PUP list by week 1.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have given the biggest scare to fantasy football players during training camp. Joe Burrow went down with a non-contact injury diagnosed as a calf sprain. A lot of the success for the Bengals lies with Joe Burrow. The Bengals have one of the best offenses in the leagues in terms of skill players. Tyler Boyd, the WR3, could easily be a WR1 on certain teams in the NFL; Panthers, Texans, and Patriots mainly speaking.

Can Trevor Siemian keep the offense floating while Joe Burrow can fully recover? Maybe the Bengals lean on Joe Mixon early in the season who is one of the few projected workhorses at the running back position. In standard leagues or leagues rewarding rushing volume, Joe Mixon is a huge value in the fourth round or later.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns already played their first preseason game. Not much can be inferred from the game outside the players that did not play are likely the starters and change of pace personnel.

The clear headline from the training camp is Elijah Moore. He is in a new atmosphere after a sophomore slump with the New York Jets. Moore has been deployed all over the formation. Even though Amari Cooper is the WR1, Elijah Moore is the value draft pick, especially in PPR leagues where he factors to consume the chain-mover role.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a sneaky darkhorse playoff team in the AFC. One of the most stable organizations, the Steelers’ offseason has the feel of being an overlooked team. Mike Tomlin thrives in that type of spot. At training camp, both George Pickens and Darnell Washington have been getting constant hype and praise. Washington’s size profile of 6’7″ 225 lbs has earned him first-team reps, especially in the redzone.  He can earn more snaps as he gains trust in his size blocking defensive ends in both rush and pass protection. Target Darnell Washington late in bestball leagues because he will earn high efficient snaps all season.

George Pickens is a walking highlight. He makes up for subpar route running with acrobatic catches. Due to his lack of footwork during the release of the route, his knack for catching errant throws in tight spaces will attract a high target share. One can imagine a scenario where Pickens ends up being the WR1 on the offense. With an ADP of WR35, Pickens can far exceed his draft slot if the entire Steelers offense has positive touchdown regression.

AFC North Training Camp Conclusion

Like most years, this division will be a fight until the end. The Bengals are the clear leaders but each of the other teams can easily contend for the top spot. From a fantasy perspective, the division has three high-caliber quarterbacks, several high-end stable running backs, some great wide receiver rooms, and top-end tight ends. Keep an eye on some of the storylines developing especially with the Joe Burrow injury and the Ravens saga at running backs as preseason games are played and rosters are trimmed.