Cliff Notes: AFC North

            So what should you watch for Baltimore fans.

            All signs point to either the Steelers of Ravens ascending to the top of the standings. After clashing in last season’s conference title game, fans of both clubs believe each will again earn a postseason berth.

            Pittsburgh shows no signs of relinquishing its throne. All the usual suspects return for the Super Bowl champs. In April they re-upped with 2008 Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison for $51.75 million over six years.

            The Steelers picked up Missouri defensive tackle Evander Hood with their first pick (32 overall). 2008 First Round pick Rashard Mendenhal logged only 19 carries over three games before being sidelined with a fractured shoulder thanks to Ray Lewis, and could help sure up a ground attack that was 23^rd in the league.

            Which Cleveland will show up remains a mystery. Will it be the 10-6 outfit of 2007 that barely missed out on the playoffs, or the bumbling 4-12 group of last season that got Romeo Crennel his walking papers.

            Another question is who will line up under center. Derek Anderson, who inked a three year contract $24 million dollar deal in February of 2008, or former Notre Dame golden boy Brady Quinn.

            Two things are certain. Disposed New York Jets front man Eric Mangini, who steps in for Crennel, takes the helm and trouble, but uberly talented tight end Kellen Winslow is gone for Tampa.

            Perennial bottom feeders Cincinnati welcome back Pro Bowl signal caller Carson Palmer and say goodbye to wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The Buggles continued to foster a penitentiary like atmosphere by adding defensive lineman Tank Johnson and drafting Alabama offensive lineman Andre Smith, who missed the Sugar Bowl due to disciplinary problems and walked out of the combine.

            The Bengals will also be featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks. Of the six teams who’ve been showcased, only the 2001 Ravens made the playoffs.

            This was just a cliff notes version of what’s new, old, borrowed and blue. Anyone who says they can predict winners and losers, tell them you have a bridge in Brooklyn for sale. Much more to come with training camp.