Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Three reasons the Steelers will win the AFC North

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 6/22/23

The AFC North may be the most competitive division in the NFL in 2023 with every team seemingly getting better this offseason. Here are three reasons the Steelers will take the North.

Year two of Pickett and Pickens

Pickett and Pickens seem to be a duo poised for a big leap in 2023. Following Pittsburgh's bye, Pickett threw for 1,442 yards, five touchdowns and just one interception. He was also 6-2 down the stretch and became the first rookie in NFL history to have a game-winning TD pass in the final minute in back-to-back games.

Pickens may have even bigger expectations than Pickett in 2023 after hauling in 52 passes for 801 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. The 22-year-old showed tremendous body control with several acrobatic catches like this one against the Browns in Week 3.

WHAT EVEN IS THIS CATCH GEORGE PICKENS

: @Steelers vs. @Browns #TNFonPrime | Watch NOW on @PrimeVideo pic.twitter.com/XWUcIhTWid
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) September 23, 2022

Rebuilt offensive line

The Steelers finally put an emphasis on strengthening their trenches this offseason and it will likely pay off. Pittsburgh not only spent its first-round pick on left tackle Broderick Jones, but the team traded up to get him. The 6-foot-5, 311-pound lineman has major upside and could develop into Pickett's blindside blocker for years to come.

However, the Steelers didn't stop there. They also signed guard Isaac Seumalo in free agency to pair with guard James Daniel on the interior. Pittsburgh's O-line isn't complete quite yet, but with veterans Mason Cole and Chukwuma Okorafor are viable options for now.

A healthy T.J. Watt

Watt played in just 10 games during the 2022 season after tearing his pectoral muscle in Week 1. His lack of presence was continually felt when not on the field and he was never fully healthy following his return either. If the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year can stay healthy, the Steelers defense will be one to be feared in 2023.

This is especially true after LB Alex Highsmith broke onto the scene with 14.5 sacks and a league-leading five forced fumbles last season. And that is said without even mentioning DT Cameron Heyward, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and Pittsburgh's new free-agent acquisition of CB Patrick Peterson.

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