NFL Training Camps: T.O. Signing Puts Ravens and Steelers as Underdogs

Could you ever picture the Ravens and Steelers having something in common?

If you ask both fan bases what they have in common, neither will be willing to give you an answer.

Yes, they always hold a top-five defense and great front offices led by Ozzie Newsome and Kevin Colbert.

However, in one season, we have never seen either team not being a favorite in the division, or even worse, being under the radar.

And who can you thank? Terrell Owens of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Last week's signing of the veteran wide receiver has propelled Cincinnati as the favorite to win the division and return to the playoffs in consecutive years.

Yes, this is a good team on paper. Carson Palmer has plenty of weapons to throw to after the offseason they had.

Granted, let's not forget about the Bengals defense, that was the most surprising, and finished in the top five in 2009.

But with the hype comes pressure. And even more pressure faces a team that has had abysmal playoff success and was proclaimed a "Dream Team" by teammate Chad Ochocinco.

It isn't a comfortable place to be in. Just ask the Ravens and Steelers last year, both of whom were disappointing.

Yet as the 2010 season approaches, both teams are being relieved of the pressure.

The Ravens may still be thought of as a Super Bowl contender, but the latest injuries in the secondary have not made them the most popular pick to win the title in the last few days.

Just ask the guys from Mike & Mike on ESPN Radio, who questioned if the defense can still be elite and predicted 11-5 and 10-6 records.

Entering the playoffs last season, Baltimore was expected to be one and done. But with a dominating win over the Patriots, and by coming up short against the Colts in the second round, this team is used to being questioned by the media, and loves the underdog role.

As for the Steelers, from a media standpoint, the expectations can't be lower. Some are calling for fewer than eight wins, and some are even predicting a last place finish in the division.

The clear question is how the Steelers will play without Ben Roethlisberger for, at least, the first four games. Questions also surround the defense's return to promise.

Never count out the Steelers. They have done it all. From winning the Super Bowl as a sixth seed, to missing out on the playoffs after the Super Bowl victory the following season, Pittsburgh loves to be counted out.

As I predicted a few weeks ago, the AFC North will be the best division in football in 2010. With the schedule turning out the way it is, I won't be surprised to see the division crown decided in the last week of the season.

The Bengals are the favorites by many to win the division, and hopefully, to become an elite contender in the AFC by the fans' standards.

But don't sleep on either the Ravens or Steelers. If either team can enter the playoffs, they have to be a threat in the postseason—confident in bringing the Lombardi Trophy to their city this season.

Matt Miselis is an NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.

Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/MattMiselis