Predicting The AFC North: Will The Steelers Be Brought Down by a Rival?

The predictions of the 2009 season continue with the AFC North. Thus far, the AFC West, NFC West, AFC South, and NFC South have been predicted. Check out my profile if interested in reading them.

Heading into the 2009 season, the AFC North crown is up for grabs once again. The defending champions Pittsburgh Steelers fought hard with the Baltimore Ravens for the division crown, and had the edge in both matchups in the regular season.

Led by rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, the Baltimore Ravens put together an offense that could score some points, along with the defense, which was the second best overall in the league.

The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals were towards the bottom of the league, due to many of the starters facing injuries.

Luckily, the schedule takes a much easy turn from '08, facing the AFC West and the NFC North.

Can any team give the defending champions a run for the division this season? Who shall put up the fight?

1. Pittsburgh Steelers—The defending AFC North champions head into the 2009 season as the favorites to win the division, which isn't a surprise. The components of the championship team return, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The question is still going to lie on the offensive side of the ball.

The offensive line faced injuries last season, yet were never a top core by any means. They will need to step up and keep Big Ben off his back. The passing game did lose Nate Washington as the third option at wide receiver. The void may need to be filled by Limus Sweed to help out Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes. What does favor them, however, is an easy schedule, one where a team like the Steelers would make it difficult to screw it up.

The prediction is the Steelers will lose a few games, but shall still be near the top of the conference.

Prediction: 13-3

2. Baltimore Ravens—Coming off the 2008 season of an AFC Championship appearance, along with a rookie head coach and quarterback, the Baltimore Ravens are ready to prove they are still one of the top teams in the league even with the losses handed this off season.

In a recent interview, Ray Lewis seemed to feel the same way when questioned about the key losses: We lose men, but we gain new blood in return. The Ravens was more busy in the offseason then Pittsburgh, with a few free-agent signings. Matt Birk, a long-time Pro Bowl center for the Vikings takes over the middle of the line. L.J. Smith comes from the Eagles with hopes of being another passing target to Joe Flacco. Dominique Foxworth was also brought in to improve the secondary.

Just like the Steelers, the schedule is easier from last year, yet a few games that makes it more challenging. The New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts were added this season. However, the Ravens are still playoff bound, and should be in contention for the postseason in 2009.

Prediction: 11-5

3. Cincinnati Bengals—The Cincinnati Bengals faced a 2008 season of quarterback troubles, resulting in a Top 10 pick this season for the orange and black. With Carson Palmer returning, the Bengals should be a .500 team.

Receiver Chad Ochocinco should bounce back from a disappointing '08 campaign as the top target. The team did lose T.J. Houshmanzadeh in the offseason, who left for Seattle. However, Cincinnati upgraded on defense in their minds with the additions of Tank Johnson and Roy L. Williams.

Cedric Benson had a solid season as running back for the Bengals in 2008. Look for him to give some of the pressure off Palmer, in order to have a good play-action passing game.

The Cincinnati Bengals can score some points, and should be a solid team on defense. However, some work is needed on the offensive line even with the addition of Andre Smith, along with another offensive target if they want to be considered a playoff team in '09.

Prediction: 9-7

4. Cleveland Browns—Under new head coach Eric Mangini, the Browns look to near the 10-6 team they were a few years ago. Yet those dreams are greatly fading in the 2009 season. A quarterback controversy has developed between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. Quinn does looks like the favorite to take the job, but with what to look forward to? Braylon Edwards looks to come back down to Earth after the 2008 season he wants to put behind.

The defense seems to be more disappointing then originally thought, especially with a supposed defensive mind running the defense. A positive note that has to be taken in 2009 is the hopes of Brady Quinn improving his development as the hopeful franchise quarterback.

Overall, another losing season is in the bad for Cleveland fans. There is always next year.

Prediction: 4-12

Matt Miselis is an NFL writer for BleacherReport.com