Madden 24: Our 2023 NFL season sim and Super Bowl LVIII prediction
![SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 25: Brock Purdy #13 and Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. The Chargers defeated the 49ers 23-12. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 25: Brock Purdy #13 and Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. The Chargers defeated the 49ers 23-12. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/380828d8f2e7c13a48757191472c7571efe3b957419620c306e91d3c97f9542e.jpg)
AFC North
The AFC North is another competitive division with three of these teams legitimate playoff contenders.
1. Baltimore Ravens (13-4) – No. 1 Seed
With finally some weapons on offense, Lamar Jackson puts together one of his best statistical passing seasons of his career throwing for 3,280 yards, 31 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions. He also racks up 826 yards and scores another 9 touchdowns with his legs. Odell Beckham Jr. returns to his old self and leads the team in receiving yard (887) while rookie Zay Flowers makes a major impact as well (53 rec., 677 yards, 5 TDs).
2. Cincinnati Bengals (10-7) – No. 7 Seed
The Bengals fail to win the division but manage to squeeze into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed. That’s all they need to make a splash. Joe Burrow throws for 4,462 yards, 32 touchdowns and 7 interceptions while Ja’marr Chase and … Tyler Boyd (what?!) lead the team in yards with over 1,200 each. Tee Higgins, who is seeking a contract extension, also catches 79 passes for 928 yards and 5 TDs.
3. Cleveland Browns (10-7)
The Browns finish with an improved 10-7 record but still miss out on the playoffs. Deshaun Watson is good bu not great, throwing for 3,610 yards, 24 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Nick Chubb, again, proves to be one of the best running backs in the league with a 5.9 average (252 attempts for 1,480 yards and 14 TDs).
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-13)
The Steelers may not be as talented, but they are well-coach and could surprise some people, but I’m not at all surprised with a fourth-place finish in this division. I do expect them to be better than 4-13 but that’ll depend on the improvement of Kenny Pickett. Madden predicts a pedestrian season with 3,752 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Diontae Johnson, again, fails to catch a touchdown despite 74 receptions. That would be… something. George Pickens racks up 1,098 yards and 5 touchdowns.