The AFC North is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL; the 08/09 season should be no different. These are my projected outcomes: Please feel free to commenton anything you disagree with. . .isn't that what predictions are for? I know I get stirred up when I read other people's projections!
Pittsburgh Steelers: 9-7
The Steelers play an incredibly tough schedule, especially late in the season, featuring Indianapolis, San Diego, Cincinnati, New England, Dallas, Baltimore, and Tennessee in consecutive weeks. The Steelers could lose 4 out of 5 from week 10 through 14, which may seriously jeopardize their playoff hopes. In addition, the Steelers face last years playoff nemesis Jacksonville away in week 5. 1st round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall could be an early rookie of the year candidate, and will certainly spell Fast Willie Parker on third downs. Mike Tomlin proved that he can win in the AFC North; look for the Steelers to finish 4-2 in the division, losing to Baltimore and Cleveland once each.
Predictions: Big Ben will have a QB rating over 100, relying on his #1 ranked rushing attack, and countless playaction fakes. Rashard Mendenhall will play a similar role as Marion Barber III for the Cowboys in the last couple years--and he will succeed greatly.
Cleveland Browns: 8-8
Last year the Browns finished 10-6, however, I am picking them to lose their first three contests of 08, against the Steelers, Cowboys, and Ravens. Derek Anderson has been a huge surprise for the Browns, and his connection with Braylon Edwards will continue into 08. Jamal Lewis seemed to be slowing down before his resurgent year in Cleveland; Lewis will be successful again this season, but do not look for the same big numbers he put up last year. Joe Thomas will be one year better, but the Browns did not even have a draft pick this year until the 4thround. The Anderson/Edwards connection coupled with Josh Cribbs in the return game should keep the Browns in a lot of close games, but I do not think the defense is good enough to put up another winning season. Look for the Browns to finish 3-3 in the division, taking two from Cinci, and one from Baltimore.
Predictions: Brady Quinn will not start a game for the second year straight--Derek Anderson will be too consistent, and keep them in ball games late--sorry Brady. Jamal Lewis will not hit the 1000 yard mark. Braylon Edwards will finish 3rd in the league in TD receptions with 15.
Cincinnati Bengals: 6-10
The Bengals intrigue me this year. They have a potent passing game, withthe possibly the loudest player ever in Chad Johnson; however, they have zero defense. First round pick Keith Rivers will certainly help the struggling defense, but I do not see them having enough fire power on that side of the ball to succeed in the AFC North. Both Pittsburgh and Baltimore's defenses are as good or better than the Bengal's offense, and Clevelands offense will be able to handle Cinci's defense. I see the Bengals finishing 2-4 in the division, sneaking one by the Ravens, and Browns--both in Cincinatti.
Predictions: Chad Johnson will be suspended by the team for reasons to be named later. Shaun Alexander will be brought into camp to try and revitalize the running game, but it will not succeed like they plan. Marvin Lewis' chances of getting fired after the season: 75%. TJ Houshmandzadeh will out catch, gain, and score Chad Johnson, leading to the Bengals getting rid of Johnson for draft picks.
Baltimore Ravens: 8-8
The Ravens will start the season withKyle Boller at the helm, but I do not see that lasting. They may try Troy Smith considering he played very well in limited action last year. In the end it will be first round selection Joe Flacco finishing the season. The defense will certainly be able to make the plays necessary to keep the team in games, but the offense may be a year away from being able to carry the team. New offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will improve the Ravens numbers in nearly every category. Free agent Brendan Ayenbadejo could be the sleeper pick up of the off-season, considering his great playmaking ability on special teams; he will also play at OLB. In addition, FA pickups Frank Walker and Fabian Washington will add the much needed depth at cornerback. Look for the Ravens to finish 3-3 in the division, beating each opponent once.
Predictions: Kyle Boller will start the season and throw more picks than touchdowns through week 7. Joe Flacco will see time against the Dolphins in week 7, and start against the Raiders at home in week 8. He will be named the starter for the rest of the season. Ed Reed will return three interceptions for touchdowns, and add another from a punt return. He will be greatly considered for defensive MVP. Jonathon Ogden will not finish the season healthy; he may never even start the season.
Playoff Picture:
The Steelers will win the division at 9-7 (4-2), but the outcome will not be decided until they beat the Browns 8-8 (3-3) in week 17 at Pittsburgh. The Ravens 8-8 (3-3) will also be in the playoff hunt until they lose their last three games, against Pittsburgh at home, at Dallas, and Jacksonville at home. Expect the wild card teams to come from other divisions.
Bold Predictions: Rashard Mendenhall will out-rush Fast Willie Parker in 8 out of 16 games.
KeithRivers will lead the struggling Bengals defense with 120 tackles and earn a trip to the Pro Bowl. He will then get arrested for a dui in the off-season (probably not, but wouldn't that be something?).
Marvin Lewis will be fired after the season.
Terrell Suggs will accumulate 13 sacks.
Josh Cribbs will outscore Devin Hester in the return game.
Big Ben will have a top 3 QB rating.
Over/Under:
Rashard Mendenhall,
750 yds
6 tds
Big Ben,
98.0 QB rating
28 tds
10 int
Willis McGahee,
1200 yds
7 tds
Ray Lewis,
13 games played
110 tackles
Braylon Edwards,
1090 yds
15 tds
TJ Houshmandzadeh,
100 rec
1100 yds
Joe Flacco,
7 games started
9 tds
Willie Parker,
1200 yds
11.5 tds
Keith Rivers,
115 tackles
The Bengals
7 wins
Feel free to comment on anything you disagree with
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2 months ago
I love the over/under section... let me go for that first.
Over/Under:
Rashard Mendenhall,
750 yds, 6 tds: Both over.
Big Ben,
98.0 QB rating (OVER, but close) , 28 tds (OVER), 10 int (OVER)
Willis McGahee,
1200 yds (Try 1400, OVER), 7 tds (OVER) Last year was no fluke.
Ray Lewis,
13 games played (UNDER- 11-12), 110 tackles (OVER),
Braylon Edwards,
1090 yds (OVER), 15 tds (OVER)
TJ Houshmandzadeh,
100 rec (OVER), 1100 yds (OVER)
Joe Flacco,
7 games started (UNDER), 9 tds (UNDER)
Willie Parker,
1200 yds (UNDER), 11.5 tds (UNDER)
Keith Rivers,
115 tackles (OVER)
The Bengals
7 wins (UNDER)
Projected Finishes:
-PIT 11-5, 5-1 DIV, 1 loss to CLE (3 or 4 seed)
-CLE 9-7, 4-2 DIV, 2 losses to PIT, BAL (no playoffs)
-BAL 6-10, 2-4 DIV, 2 wins against CIN, CLE (no playoffs)
-CIN 6-10, 1-5 DIV, 1 win against BAL (no playoffs)
Bold predictions agree/disagree:
Bold Predictions:
Rashard Mendenhall will out-rush Fast Willie Parker in 8 out of 16 games. AGREE
Keith Rivers will lead the struggling Bengals defense with 120 tackles and earn a trip to the Pro Bowl. He will then get arrested for a dui in the off-season (probably not, but wouldn't that be something?). AGREE, AGREE (it's the Bengals)
Marvin Lewis will be fired after the season. AGREE
Terrell Suggs will accumulate 13 sacks. DISAGREE, I'd put him at 8 or so.
Josh Cribbs will outscore Devin Hester in the return game. DISAGREE
Big Ben will have a top 3 QB rating. AGREE
Major gripes: Baltimore isn't as good as you think/as we both hope unless the entire team stays healthy (unlikely). (I'm a Ravens fan too.) PIT is significantly better than you give them credit for; they'll clean up a rebuilding division.
Good read, though, it's nice to see an article written about the most important pro sports division in my life. ;)
2 months ago
Thanks Brendan. I've been thinking about writing this article for a while now, and I could not decide where I wanted the Steelers and Ravens. I keep thinking about the 13-3 season 2 years ago thinking they have a lot of the necessary pieces in place. But then there was last year...that didn't look good. With the Steelers, I think they could mop up the division. But he Browns always play them well, and the Ravens have beat them up in years past.
I really wanted to give a record range...if I could do that it would have been...
Steelers 9-7 - 12-4
Browns 7-9 - 10-6
Bengals 5-11 - 7-9
Ravens 6-10 - 9-7
I like the over/under too. . . I will write another one soon. Thanks for the comments.
about 1 month ago
I like your thinking with Suggs, seeing as Pryce will be back and Barnes SHOULD be stepping up, Suggs should have a much better season.
about 1 month ago
I think You did A good job at sumarizing what you believe will happen this year and although The AFCNorth Division has a very tough Schedule I Don't think it gets better For Cincinatti simply because they let the saints junp in front of them and get their main guy Sedrick Ellis which they so desperately need and drafting 3 Wide Receivers didn't help how about a tight end or some Defense which they have always needed,Not to mention there Running Backs are old and or Always hurt SO i see a 6-7 game winning season at the best for the Bungles with Palmer Getting frustrated and having good numbers at the same time.
For the Ravens that Defense just keeps getting older and The new coach did'nt bring enough ower in to help them out sorry Ray and Ed once again it will be you guys working extra hard.They do have a nice running game with Willis and now Rice but who wil play QB?Flacco prolly because of the money but I believe you should give Smith a Legit Chance and i hope they do.I see a 5-6 game winning season.
Now for the Steelers ,I believe they have the best overall draft of any team and making Ben even richer,Maybe he will actually work out in the off season or come to camp over weight with a Beard ?who knows but I think there Receiving corps is very strong and will give teams a hard time covering them so look f0r alot more down the field passes from Ben because he gets what he wants,Adding another Dimension to help Parker in Mendenhall was great I see this team not losing a game in Flag Football because of Athleticism and speed but not In the Nfl.It all starts up front and what they have is nothing,Ben being sacked more than any other Steelers quarterback isn't good espically if he has to last another 8 years so that is this teams weakness.And of course there Defense will be strong with out a doubt but I see Cleveland beating them this year Once.And the Steelers winning 10-11 Games.
Now for the Brownies Cleveland looked unstoppable on Offense last year bit with No number 2 running back im not sure How lewis will do again as with every runing back in todays game,But it will be hard to stop Stallworth and edwards on the outside with Winslow ripping apart the middle so maybe thats there plan.Special Teams is a lock for best in the divison just because of the Predator(Cribbs).Now They dide go out and make some Aggressive off season espically in bringing in Rogers and Williams to fill the desperatly needed D line situation to free up our linebackers for sacks but also lost our number one corner Leigh Bodden and Daven Holy Tearing out his knee already ,So The browns weakness will be defensive back but i feel they will be a bend but dont break Defense allowing Cleveland to win 11-12 games this year and a Playoff Birth and winning the first game.
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