Macho Rhino's AFC North 2010 Preview

Macho RhinoSep 7, 2010

AFC NORTH
The division features three good teams this year that should beat down the Browns. The suspension of Ben Roethlisberger will impact the division in a big way as it’ll put the Steelers off to a 1-3 start and put them in third place. The Ravens should be the class of the division as they loaded up at the receiver position and should have the best offense they’ve had in Baltimore.

1. Baltimore Ravens (12-4) – I’m concerned about the defense without Ed Reed. He’s out at least the first six games and possibly more. If he’s back healthy they could be a Super Bowl team. I love what they did on the offensive side of the ball adding Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzadeh will give Joe Flacco consistent targets and should open up holes for Ray Rice. The Ravens will lean more on the offense this year than ever before.
2. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) – The Bengals will be good but they’re playing a first place schedule this year and that’s going to put them in a tough spot. Also, does the TO/Ocho Cinco situation stay calm the entire year. If it does and Cedric Benson plays like he did last year, then they could be back in the playoffs.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) - It’s going to be another disappointing year for the Steelers as they’ll miss the playoffs again. The four game suspension of Ben Roethlisberger puts them in a hole that they just won’t be able to climb out of this year. The defense should be stellar as expected but the offense will need to get Big Ben back to start winning.
4. Cleveland Browns (2-14) – This team just doesn’t have a lot of talent. I think Eric Mangini will be gone at the end of the year. I don’t like adding Jake Delhomme and I think would be better off going with Colt McCoy. It’s going to be a long year in Cleveland but at least you’ve got a shot at one of the QB prospects coming out next year.