AFC North - Baltimore Ravens
Defense is synonymous with the AFC North, and there will be no shortage of top performers again in 2024. While the Cleveland Browns led the league in total defense last year, they'll give way to the Baltimore Ravens this season.
For years, the Ravens have possessed one of the top-performing defenses in the NFL, but they will set the standard in 2024. Baltimore's brass took care of business this offseason, re-upping with Nnamdi Madubuike and Kyle Van Noy and re-establishing one of the most punishing defensive fronts in football. A loaded secondary returns, looking to build off their sixth-ranked pass defense from 2023. Further, the Ravens expended three of their first five draft picks on top-end defensive prospects, building the next generation of elite defenders.
In short, the Ravens are stacked at every level of their defense. Anchored by the best defensive line in football, Baltimore has proven playmakers in their linebackers corps and secondary. Moreover, they have a complement of backup players, unlike any other team in the NFL. Opposing teams won't have many opportunities to score, let alone play in positive territory.