AFC North 2010 Predictions: How The Experts Weigh in with Predictions
With the NFL preseason winding down, it is that time of year again for my NFL predictions.
So far I have made my predictions on the AFC West, NFC West, and NFC East.
Though I was supposed to do the AFC East today, I changed my plans.
Today I came up with a new idea. I will make my AFC North predictions, and compare them to two experts.
In case you didn't know, ESPN's AFC North blogger James Walker and Insider Matt Williamson made their anticipated predictions on the division.
How do they compare with my predictions for the 2010 division? Read and find out
(The predictions were made on ESPN Radio Podcast. Go to ESPN.com's AFC North Blog for the results.)
And while you're at it, give B/R NFL's Featured Columnist a follow on twitter: http://twitter.com/MattMiselis
1. Matt Williamson Selects Steelers, While James Walker Selects Ravens
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The predictions between the two ESPN writers came to a disagreement pretty early on. Matt Williamson predicted the Pittsburgh Steelers to finish in first place, while James Walker went with the Baltimore Ravens.
Summary of Williamson's Predictions
The Steelers are returning to the postseason. With Troy Polamalu and Aaron Smith returning, Williamson guarantees Pittsburgh will have the best defense in the league this season.
More importantly, he feels the loss of Big Ben won't be a huge loss for four to six games. If it is reduced to four as all signs point to, Matt sees the Steelers going at worst 2-2 without him.
Summary of Walker's Predictions
Walker believes the Ravens are the most talented team in the AFC North from top to bottom. He sees a big year out of Joe Flacco, with the revamped improvements in weapons on the offensive side.
And I agree with Mr. Walker
My Prediction: Baltimore Ravens Finish First
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Can my prediction take credit for the fact that I follow and report on this team more than any other? Sure.
But I feel a different kind of Ravens team in the air this year. This is a determined bunch with a lot of veterans hungry for their first Super Bowl ring.
I am predicting Joe Flacco cracks the 4,000 yard passing mark, and throws anywhere from 26-28 touchdowns.
The defense is the question mark of the team—the passing defense to be exact.
However, the secondary is getting healthier quicker than people expect. Starters Lardarius Webb and Fabien Washington will be starting in Week 1.
My sleeper this year is cornerback Cary Williams. Williams is suspended for the first two games, but I see the possibility of him emerging on the roster.
He possesses great speed, and can keep up with a lot of the top receivers in the game today.
It won't be easy, but I have the Ravens edging out the division crown by one game.
2. Williamson and Walker Pick the Cincinnati Bengals To Finish Second
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Both Matt Williamson and James Walker picked the Cincinnati Bengals to finish in second place.
Summary of Their Predictions
The improved weapons through the draft and free agency gives quarterback Carson Palmer enough fire power to survive in the division and advance to the playoffs. The defense under coordinator Mike Zimmer should also be solid as well.
However, my prediction disagrees.
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My Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers Finish Second
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*This prediction stays assuming Ben Roethlisberger is only suspended four games.
I don't see the Pittsburgh Steelers missing the playoffs two straight years, especially with their schedule.
Although Ben Roethlisberger is expected to miss four games, I see Pittsburgh finishing at least 2-2, possibly even 3-1 during that span.
The remaining 12 games don't pose much of a threat to the Steelers, who should have a winning record in this period of time.
I don't think the Steelers defense will be the best in the league, but certainly top five statistically.
My biggest question is the depth in the secondary. I don't care for the cornerbacks too much, but if Troy Polamalu suffers another injury, that defense is in trouble.
However, Polamalu is returning strong, and the Steelers should be a threat in the postseason once again this year.
3. Williamson Picks Ravens; Walker Picks Steelers to Finish Third
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Another set of differences. Matt Williamson predicts the Ravens to finish in third place, while James Walker says the Steelers will finish third.
Summary of Williamson's Prediction
The secondary will be the downfall for the Ravens. There is simply not enough talent within the secondary, and there is no point in running the ball when you can just set up three-four wide receiver sets and fling the ball all around the field. Though Williamson loves Joe Flacco, he in unsure if the Ravens offense can win high scoring affairs.
Summary of Walker's Prediction
Though he believes the Steelers are talented, they will not be able to recover with the loss of Ben Roethlisberger, and will just miss out on the playoffs. He also questioned Williamson when he predicted the Ravens to finish third.
I also disagree with this prediction.
My Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals Finish Third
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I know the Bengals are one of the hottest picks in the entire league right now, and I was on the bandwagon for the last few months.
But I have had a change of heart. I see this team in the same vein as last year's Titans, who didn't live up to expectations following a playoff appearance.
I don't see the defense playing up to the top five capability like they did last year. 2009 was a year of dedication to some internal losses the organization, and though they will be good, they face more top quarterbacks this season.
The bigger disappointment will be on the offensive side. I don't believe Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens are No. 1 receivers anymore. They aren't as feared as they were in the past, which won't help Carson Palmer's cause.
I see good futures for Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham, but I don't think they will be putting up enough numbers to make up the differences for the two veteran receivers.
The Bengals have a much tougher schedule in 2010, which in the end may hurt their cause for another playoff berth.
4. Williamson and Walker Pick Browns To Finish Last; I Agree
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Both Matt Williamson and James Walker pick the Cleveland Browns to finish in last place.
Summary of Predictions
It will be another long year for the Browns. They suffer from playing in a tough division, and it is possible they go winless this season.
And I agree with the prediction.
My Prediction
I do believe the Cleveland Browns are in the right direction under new management, but will have another losing season and finish last.
Right now, I do not see enough proven firepower outside of Josh Cribbs. There is a lot of young talent on the receiving unit, but no proven talent up to this point.
As for the defensive side, they are bringing in many young players to the secondary, but there will be growing pains for Browns fans this season.
Another question is answered on the next page.
Can Three AFC North Teams Make The Playoffs?
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This was the last question asked in the AFC North preview show, and it is worth the debate.
Can three teams make it out of the division this year? Matt Williamson believes it can be done. In his opinion, the AFC West is a garbage division right now, the AFC South doesn't have a proven team besides the Colts (Texans could be next), and the AFC East deals with a tough schedule as well.
The Ravens, Steelers, and Bengals are tough teams, so you can't rule out the possibility.
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