AFC North Preview

Part three of an eight part series taking a look at each of the NFL's divisions as the beginning of the regular seasons draws nearer. Here, we examine the tough AFC North

Baltimore Ravens
Unlike the first two divisions looked at, the AFC and NFC south, the AFC North is not ruled by one team way out in front of the others. The Ravens are the top dog here, but not by a lot. The Ravens defense is obviously their strength, and they will rely on it again this year like they have since their Super Bowl victory in 2000. They lost versatile linebacker/defensive lineman/defensive back, Adalius Thomas, to free agency, but that shouldn't slow this unit down. The question marks lie on offense. Baltimore brought in QB Steve McNair before last season to help the offense take some pressure off of the defense. And it worked; to a point. They improved their '05 record of 6-10 to a franchise best 13-3 record last season, but the offense, once again, let them down again. This season the Ravens say goodbye to aging RB Jamal Lewis, but hello to RB Willis McGahee, who should add some much need fresh blood to the offense. This is a very solid team, capable of dominating anyone at any time. And if McNair can stay upright for another season, and McGahee adds the sought after spark to the running game, then you could be looking at a very serious Super Bowl contender.
Prediction: 12-4

Pittsburgh Steelers
It feels like an eternity since the Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2005, right? However, don't let last year's 8-8 record fool you; the Steelers are not that far away from that championship team. Yes, the Steelers started woefully last year, but, like their Super Bowl season, they turned it on later in the season and nearly made the playoffs. This season, they have a new coach - just their third one since 1969. And Mike Tomlin will add some fresh blood to the mix. Ben Roethlisberger is healthy and appears to be in football shape, and the Steelers are oozing talent at all positions. The defense lost LB Joey Porter, but they are still a very solid unit with a coordinator in Dick Lebeau who likes to reinforce the name "Blitzburgh" at every opportunity. Watch for the Steelers to have a very strong bounce back year.
Prediction: 10-6

Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have been on the verge of greatness for a few years now, but they have so far been unable to take the next step. They have a lethal offense led by All Pro QB Carson Palmer, who is definitely coming into his own. They have one of the best receiving duos in Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh, and a solid running back in Rudi Johnson. The defense is full of young aggressive players, and that has been their weakness thus far. They took a step back last season partly because too many players decided to test out their acting chops of "COPS," but coach Marvin Lewis has finally taken a hard line on the extra-curricular activities. If the keys players can stay out of cop cars this season, the Bengals should be able to continue their upward trend after a bit of leveling out last season. I don't know if it's ever been done, but I can see the Bengals being the third 10-win team and possibly the third playoff team from the AFC North.
Prediction: 10-6

Cleveland Browns
In a stacked division, the Browns are the odd man out. After all, the other teams in the division need someone to beat up on. And the Browns, being in a transitional period, fit the job description perfectly. There really aren't many areas of strength on this team, aside from the nice draft they just had this year. Unfortunately, that draft won't help them too much this season. Coach Romeo Crennell, isn't able to pick a QB for his team, and it seems to be his personal mission to keep Brady Quinn off the field, as he still remains the third string after outplaying the two guys in front of him for most of the preseason. RB Jamal Lewis is new to the team after leaving Baltimore, and he should provide something to the running game, but don't expect him to be putting up the numbers he used to put up against the Browns in his heyday. It will be a long season in Cleveland, and it could be Crennell's last season there.
Prediction: 3-13