2010 NFL Season: AFC North Preview

The AFC North is one of the toughest, if not the best division in the NFL. If anything, this division is the most physical. 

No. 4 - Cleveland Browns

In 2009, the Browns, up until the last few games of the season, were painful to watch. Their offense was non existent for much of the season. 

However, the Browns ended the season on a high note, winning their last four games, while running back Jerome Harrison shredded defenses. 

A big question mark with this team is finding the right quarterback. During the offseason, the Browns chose Jake Delhomme to start for the 2010 season, and then in the draft, selected Colt McCoy in hope that he can be their quarterback of the future. 

With Mike Holmgren as the president of this team, the only direction the Browns can go is forward. 

 

Prediction: 6-10

No. 3 - Pittsburgh Steelers

For the first four weeks of the season, all eyes will be on Steelers' quarterback Dennis Dixon.

Ben Roethlisberger will miss the first four games as you know, due to suspension.

The Steelers, if all goes according to plan, are hoping to escape the first four weeks at 2-2. These aren't easy games, as they face the Falcons, Titans, Buccaneers, and Ravens. 

In 2009, the biggest concern for the Steelers was the defense. While Big Ben had one of the best statistical seasons of his career, the defense was not good enough, and it cost the Steelers a playoff berth.

On offense the Steelers lost a huge weapon when they traded Santonio Holmes away for basically nothing. Now, second-year receiver Mike Wallace has a big job ahead of him.  

Prediction: 9-7

No. 2 - Cincinnati Bengals

In 2009, the Cincinnati Bengals surprised everyone in the league when they ran the tables in the AFC North, and made the playoffs for the first time since 2005. 

Even more surprising is that it was not the Bengals offense that led them to the playoffs, rather their defense, which was among the league's best. 

In 2010, the Bengals added another weapon on offense in Terrell Owens, or as Chad Ochocinco calls him, "Batman." If Owens and Ochocinco can coexist and play the football they are both capable of playing, the Bengals could have the best wide receiver duo in the NFL.

More than anyone on the Bengals his is a huge year for quarterback Carson Palmer, who still has yet to win a playoff game. Palmer has all the pieces he needs, and now it's time to take the next step for the Bengals. 

Prediction: 10-6

No. 1 - Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are a team built to compete for a Super Bowl title, and could very well do so in 2010. 

With Joe Flacco continuing to get better and better each year, he got even more help on offense with Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth coming to Baltimore. 

In 2009, running back Ray Rice could not be stopped, and in 2010, he will continue to be their most dangerous threat on offense. 

Everyone knows about this team's defense, and now people know about their offense as well. 

The Ravens are ten years removed from their Super Bowl title with Trent Dilfer playing quarterback, and Qadry Ismail as their number one wide receiver. Now, replace those two with Joe Flacco, and Anquan Boldin. Not to mention Derrick Mason, and Donte Stallworth. Take your pick. 

Prediction: 11-5