AFC North Prediction: What Does The 2009 Season Have In Store

Jake Cole by Correspondent Written on July 30, 2009
PITTSBURGH - FEBRUARY 03:  Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers waves a terrible towel during a parade to celebrate winning Super Bowl XLIII on February 3, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Over the past few years, teams in the AFC North have bounced up and down.  We have seen players who can be great one year, then absolutely terrible the next.  This coming season could show how the AFC North once again, is predictably unpredictable.

Biggest Drop:  Baltimore-  Harbaugh will reach the second year slump as a head coach.  The receivers are not there, the defense is beginning to age, and the loss of Rex Ryan ultimately will destroy the chances of this team returning to the playoffs.

Largest Increase:  Cincinnatti-  The defense is quietly getting better and the offense is getting back Carson Palmer.  This will help improve this team.

Final Standings:

Pittsburgh 13-3-  with all but two starters returning, and a more experienced group of players, the Steelers will once again push for another title.

Cincinnati 10-6-  this improved team will challenge for a playoff spot, and possibly receive it.  The Bengals will challenge the Steelers this season.

Baltimore 6-10-  the Ravens will be one of the biggest disappointments this season.  The real question is now whether or not they can survive against the Steelers and Bengals.

Browns 2-14-  so sorry Browns fans, this is not even close to your year.

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written on July 30, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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