In 2020 the AFC North seeks to reclaim their status as the best football division in the AFC. Injuries, bad coaching, and questionable signings plagued the division last season. But this year the division looks to enter three teams into the postseason with the expanded playoff format. These players will have the biggest impacts on their respective teams going into the 2020 season.
Ben Roethlisberger – Pittsburgh Steelers
The return of Roethlisberger will be the biggest 2020 storyline of the AFC North. Will healing overcome aging, as Roethlisberger returns from injury. Roethlisberger is an immediate upgrade. During the future Hall of Famers last full season, he threw for over 5,000 passing yards with 34 touchdown tosses. As long as Big Ben has been in the yellow and black, the Steelers have been Super Bowl contenders. The threat of Roethlisberger being able to diagnose and throw the deep ball will make the entire Steelers offense much improved. Seeing how defenses played the Steelers differently last season, the return of Roethlisberger will help take the pressure off the running game with the play-action pass.
Odell Beckham Jr.- Cleveland Browns
Beckham had 74 receptions for 1,035 receiving yards and four touchdowns. His down year is another wide receiver’s best year. OBJ is coming off of hip surgery and he should return as one of the premier receivers. His ability to stretch the field will help open up the entire Browns offense. His biggest strength is setting up his routes to look like he’s blocking on play-action before braking deep. He can run every single route in the wide receiver route tree. His game-changing speed after the catch is second to none. His ability to break downfield and command a double team allows Jarvis Landry to work the intermediate routes and pick up first downs.
Mark Ingram- Baltimore Ravens
While many feel that Lamar Jackson is the driving force of Baltimore’s offense they may be mistaken. He’s the best but Ingram is the most valuable offensive player from leadership and experience. While Ingram is always touting his teammates for their greatness, he is overlooked. Mark Ingram is coming off another 1,000-yard season and tied a franchise record with 15 total touchdowns. Ingram is the most vital piece to the run-pass option that Jackson has thrived in. Without the threat of Ingram Baltimore’s offense stalls. Also, the Ravens selected J.K. Dobbins in the second round of April’s draft. Ingram will be tasked to help the rookie understand the offense and NFL lifestyle.
Joe Mixon- Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals took a chance when they made the risky selection of running back Joe Mixon from Oklahoma. But it has been worth it for a team that will pair him with rookie quarterback Joe Burrow. He has rushed for 2,300 yards and 13 TDs in the last two seasons. He is the best offensive player that the Bengals have. As the young team begins to take shape Mixon’s Pro Bowl ability also brings fans to the stadium. The Bengals haven’t had much to celebrate in the last 5 years. He’s also one of the best screen catching running backs in the division. It has been a great environment for Mixon and with the selection of wide receiver Tee Higgins in the second round, the Bengals seem to have their big 3 on offense.
