NFL Preview: AFC North

This is the fifth of my eight divisional NFL previews.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)

With the additions of draft picks Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed, the Steelers have established one of the best offenses in the game today. Ben Roethlisberger has become a true leader and should have one of his best seasons this year. Willie Parker will do well due to having some pressure taken off by splitting carries with Mendenhall. Even though they lost Pro Bowl G Alan Faneca, the line is still strong and will hold up. Their defense is also one of the most elite in the entire league, helped greatly due to the efforts of Troy Polamalu and James Farior. Despite having one of the league's toughest schedules, the Steelers will definitely win the AFC North.

2. Cleveland Browns (8-8)

Derek Anderson had a remarkable year last year, one that he might not be able to repeat. He was aided greatly by Braylon Edwards, who had one of the best seasons at his position last year. Their best player however is not Anderson, Edwards, or even RB Jamal Lewis. It is LT Joe Thomas. Last year's #3 pick, he deserves a lot of credit for their 10-6 record last year. Their defense, is not quite as good. Last year's 3rd-worst defense, they haven't really improved much at all. A great offense, poor defense and a rough schedule spells a .500 record for the Browns.

3. Cincinatti Bengals (7-9)

The Bengals' passing game is pretty much set. They have a great QB in Carson Palmer and 2 outstanding wide receivers (Chad Ocho Cinco and TJ Houshmandzadeh). Now, if they can only get their running game functioning properly, they'll put up a huge amount of points. With the loss of Rudi Johnson, they will rely on Kenny Watson, who did quite well in Johnson's absence, and Chris Perry to split carries. On defense, like Cleveland, they are quite poor. They had the 6th-worst last year and have cut their former Pro Bowl defensive back Deltha O'Neal, so it doesn't seem bright for Cincinatti. A team can't survive on just one side of the ball, so the Bengals will be pretty mediocre this year. 

4. Baltimore Ravens (5-11)

The lack of a definite quarterback poses many questions. Joe Flacco, the man tapped to open the season, is after all a rookie who didn't have a great preseason. The backup Troy Smith really should be the starter as he is far better on his feet than the 6' 6" Flacco. Willis McGahee enters the season not at 100 percent and although I like Ray Rice, he can't survive the starter role for his first season. Their receivers are average at best and are starting to wear down. Despite not giving up too much yardage, they still managed to give up quite a few points (24 per game). Despite several playmakers (Lewis, Suggs, McAlister, Reed), the D won't perform up to their potential. The Ravens are a far cry from the 13-3 they were in 2006.