NFL Preview: AFC North

4. Baltimore Ravens (Bodog Over/Under: 6 Games)
Under. Way under. There aren't many weapons on this team. After Willis McGahee, there is nothing of value on this offense. The loss of Jonathan Ogden will make Mr. McGahee even less of a weapon. More bad news, McGahee may not be able to start the season because of a bad knee. So rookie Ray Rice may get the handoffs for the first game of the season. Oh, and Troy Smith is going to start at quarterback. He's thrown 76 passes in his career. Baltimore does have a pair of receivers to throw the ball to however. Both Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton are capable of catching 100 balls for 1,000 yards. But when the quarterback battle is between Troy Smith, Kyle Boller, and Joe Flacco, things don't bode well. There's not much else to say about this offense, other than that they will be an exercise in futility.

Defensively, we're still talking about the Baltimore Ravens here. They're another year older, but they can still fly around the ball, and punish offenses. The only problem is that they're going to find themselves on the field for 35 minutes a game. McAllister and Samari Rolle still cover the corner positions, with the dominant Ed Reed anchoring the secondary. The team just locked up Terrell Suggs for the next 5 years with a big deal. Between he and Ray Lewis, the front seven is going to be fine. This defense is as good as ever, and expect them to step it up as the only shining light on this football team.

On top of all the woe that is the Ravens' offense, they also have an awful schedule. They're lined up to play the AFC East, and the NFC East, along with the tough division that is the AFC North. The stars are aligned for an especially terrible season in Baltimore. Avoid all fantasy players, avoid betting on on them

Prediction: 3-13



3. Cincinatti Bengals (Bodog Over/Under: 7.5)
This is about as close to a push as you can get. I have this team pegged for about 7 wins, but that 7 could easily be 8 or 9. The Bengals have been a team filled with potential for the last few years, but have never been able to capitalize. After Kimo Von Oelhoffen swept the leg in the Wild Card Playoffs in 2005, this team hasn't been the same. Neither has Carson Palmer. Off field troubles, Chad Johnson's mouth, and a suspect defense has kept this team in mediocrity. They remind me of the Houston Rockets, full of potential but never reaching it. They still have the best one-two receiver punch in the league with Ocho Cinco and T.J. Whosyourmama. If Chris Henry can stay out of trouble after his suspension, that will make it by far the best receiver corps in the league, with a top five quarterback throwing the ball. Rudi Johnson hasn't averaged over 4 yards a game in a few years now, but Chris Perry is threatening to take the job. Between Rudi, Perry, and Kenny Watson the Bengals rushing attack should be ample enough to keep defenses honest.

On the defensive side of the ball is where the Bengals continue to have trouble. I think this year it will cost Marvin Lewis his job. He was brought into the organization to bring his Baltimore defensive expertise to Cincinatti, unfortunately it's starting to look like Cincy got the wrong Lewis. Without Ray Ray, Marvin's defensive schemes have looked empty and beatable. The defense lacks legitimate playmakers, and Dhani Jones is a questionable choice at middle linebacker. He hasn't been good since his year with the Eagles. With too many holes defensively, look for this team to attempt to outduel opponents, and that usually lands a club with a record around .500. Again, the AFC North clubs are playing an extremely tough schedule, and it's no easier for Cincinatti.

Prediction: 7-9



3. Cleveland Browns (Bodog Over/Under: 8)
I'm going to go with under for the Brownies. Some people think this team is ready to take the next step after last season's 10 wins. I think they take a big step back this year. Offensively, the team is good. Jamal Lewis rushed the ball for over 1300 yards last season, and Braylon Edwards is one of the best wideouts in the game. Kellen Winslow is basically a second wide receiver, except he can block on the line and play the tight end position. The addition of Donte Stallworth from the Patriots, is nice, but probably won't play too much of a role. After all, there's a reason Bellichick let him walk out the door. Their offensive line is one of the better groups in the league, and will give the quarterback ample time.

That is where I believe the problem is. Derek Anderson played himself into a Pro Bowl last season, deservedly so. I do think he has what it takes to be a good NFL quarterback, but I don't think this experiment will work out with Cleveland. Similar to the situation in San Diego a few years ago with Brees and Rivers, Cleveland is paying Brady Quinn too much money to just sit on the bench. At some point, if Cleveland has a few bad games in a row, Anderson will have to face the music. With that pressure on his back at all times, knowing that he could lose his starting job, I wouldn't be surprised to see Derek Anderson crumble a little bit. Honestly, who could blame him? It's a tough situation to be in.

The Brownies added Shaun Rodgers at defensive tackle to help stop the rush. The Browns were ranked 27th in the league last season with over 2000 yards allowed no the ground. UN-AC-CEPTABLE. I know it's only preseason, but Eli Manning made their secondary look terrible the other night. And as much as I love Eli, I'm not so sure if it was his arm or the Browns cornerbacks that were doing all the work. Too many question marks surrounding the quarterback position and the defense make this a team to avoid at all costs.

Prediction: 7-9



1. Pittsburgh Steelers (Bodog Over/Under: 9)
Vegas got it right, here. Nine wins is just what I see this team finishing at. I actually think they are a good ball club, and any other year would see them finish at 10 or 11 wins, but their daunting schedule will hold them back a little bit this year. Look for Big Ben Roethisberger to step up as one of the five best quarterbacks in the league this season. He has the arm, the talent, and the leadership capabilities to do so. He's the kind of quarterback every team wishes they had, and he definitely has the ability to put this team on his back when it's needed. Last season he lit the league up with 3000 yards and 32 touchdowns, and he will prove to have an even better season this year if Santonio Holmes continues his growth. With Hines Ward, aging but still one of the most reliable receivers in the league, the Steelers will have one of the better passing attacks in the game. Limas Sweed has had an excellent preseason so far, and will help contribute out of the slot in bigger sets. Heath Miller is one of the better tight ends in football, and Byron Leftwich adds depth to the quarterbacking position. Offensively, this team has nothing to worry about.

Troy Polamalu makes this defense tick. Make no mistake about it. Farrior was just signed to a big contract as I am writing this, but Polamalu is the glue that holds the defense together. If he's not healthy, this whole defensive unit takes a big step back. Polamalu's ability to create havoc in the secondary, as well as chase down the run is what makes this defensive unit one of the best in the league. Last season the Steelers were first in overall yards allowed, third in passing yards, and third in rushing yards. That shows an impressively balanced defensive team. It starts with the linebacking corps, Farrior, Harrison, and Foote are great anchors to this team. Townsend and Taylor in the secondary are serviceable enough, and with Polamalu out there, everyone is better. This is a good team, and at the end of the season their record will not be vindicative of that. This is going to be the proverbial, "team that nobody wants to play in the first round."

Prediction: 9-7