AFC North: Division Rankings

Continuing with the breakdown of each division in an attempt to determine who will make the playoffs this year, we head to the AFC North.

I feel a little more confident with this division than I did in the East, where three teams could place second or lower.

However, this being nothing more than educated guesswork and barring injury, I could be wrong. But I think I'm right.

4. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland has not been a very dominating team in the past, and I don't see anything to suggest that they will shine this year either.

Though they have a few good players here and there, they simply don't have enough to outdo the other teams in the division.

Lacking doesn't begin to cover last year's offense. Finishing second to last is a major reason they weren't successful. Another may be finishing 26th in defense. As the stats show, they aren't a strong team at the moment.

The schedule is hard to figure out. They play some hard defensive teams like Baltimore and Pittsburgh (both on the road and at home). They also have some easier games like Detroit.

But for the most part, they look like they are playing teams that are about average, like the Vikings, Bears, and Chargers.

So this is not one of the most difficult schedules, but for a weak team like the Browns, they may struggle.

Looking at the coming season, I can't see much light for Cleveland. They lack the talent needed, are playing better teams, and are in a strong division.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati is a talented team caught in a very talented division. They have a lot of strengths, particularly on the offense.

Unfortunately, the loss of star QB Carson Palmer led them to finish dead last in offense last year. Many say he won't be his old self until next year, but I think that he will be able to lift up the team.

He has lots of talent to throw to, and a decent run game to keep his targets open.

The defense played well last year and finished 12th overall. If the offense can get up to par, they are looking to have a decent season.

Since they are in the same division as the Ravens and Steelers, they are going to have to face some tough defenses. But they do have some easier teams like Detroit and Cleveland.

It's hard to make a solid decision about the Bengals. If they can get their QB issues settled, they can have a very strong offensive force. The defense should do alright.

If things go well, they may have a chance to pass the Ravens. But it's not looking likely.

2. Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco had a nice season last year and is looking to have another. They are a strong team, particularly on the defense. With the offense getting better, they are slowly growing into a team to watch for.

The defense, led by fiery Ray Lewis is one of the best in the league. Finishing second last year, they are looking like they could have another dominating season.

The offense is not superb, finishing 18th last year,
but is slowly getting better. Flacco has another year experience and they could make a rise in the rankings to around 15th.

Being one of the best defensive teams in the league, the schedule is not as rough as it might be for other teams.

Playing the Patriots and Packers may require more from the defense. I am looking forward to them facing the Steelers, as it will be a battle of defenses. Getting some wins from teams like Detroit and KC will really help.

Baltimore could easily be a playoff team if it wasn't for Pittsburgh. The Ravens are a powerful team, but may fall short to the reigning champs.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

The defending Super Bowl champions are looking to come out strong. They have a great defense and are coming off a good draft. They still have the play-makers, and are as good as they have been.

The league's No. 1 defense is still strong. They should be able to stop most of the teams they are going to have to face. One flaw of the Steelers is their 22nd ranked offense.

But then why do they need to score a lot when no one scores on them?

The schedule they have looks like it will allow them to make it to the playoffs again. The Browns, Raiders, Chiefs, and Lions should be good opportunities to pick up some wins.

The Ravens, Titans, and Packers may try the Steelers, but Pittsburgh is at home for three of the four games (they play the Ravens at home and on road).

The Steelers haven't diminished and are the team to beat this season. I can't see anything that will keep them from going to the playoffs again.

I don't think they will win the Super Bowl again, but have a good chance of going deep into the playoffs.

Conclusion

As always, I finish my slide show with a conclusion. I know a lot of you will disagree with my rankings. If that is true, tell me. If Cleveland is going to be a contender, tell me why.

I have the AFC South and all of the NFC left to cover. I know you have opinions. Let me know how the uncovered divisions will play out. I'd love to hear what you think.