NFL PREVIEW: AFC NORTH

Here is the mighty AFC North.

Predicted Order of Finish:
1. Baltimore Ravens 13-3
2. Cincinnati Bengals 10-6
2. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6
4. Cleveland Browns 4-12

Baltimore
Pros: They finally got some real offensive weapons. Ray Rice and Joe Flacco are stars in the making, and Anquan Bolden is the #1 receiver that they have never had. Coupled with Derrick Mason and Donte Stallworth, along with a healthy Todd Heap and two rookie tight ends, the Ravens have weapons out the wazoo. They still have a great front 7, with a D-Line anchored by Haloti Ngata, and Ray Lewis leading a group of LBs that love to hit. I think Jameel McClain and Terrell Suggs will be a great pass rush. The Ravens will be dominant this year.
Questions: They have a ton of injuries in their secondary. They traded a backup QB for former JFLAN teammate Doug Dutch, who has yet to play in a regular season game. Good news, Doug might see playing time. Bad news, they lost one starting corner, Ed Reed still isn't 100%, nor is Fabian Washington. They also have a kicker battle going on.



Cincinnati
Pros: Tons of wideouts, including TO-choCinco. Jordan Shipley looked like a solid return man and 3rd or 4th option in the Hall of Fame game. Cedric Benson should be in line for another 1,000 yards, and Carson Palmer just has to get the ball out or hand it off fast, then get out of the way. Their D should be solid also, with a rejuvenated Adams Jones at nickle corner.
Questions: If everyone behaves, then the only con is their kicking situation. If people misbehave, then all hell could break loose, and Marvin Lewis could go on a killing spree.

Pittsburgh
Pros: Their D is completely healthy, which makes them one of the toughest teams to play in the NFL. Rashard Mendenhall is the starter on his own, and should be productive running behind a revamped O-line.
Questions: Big Ben is missing some time. The biggest question is if Byron Leftwich can sub in for the first 4 games (I imagine Goodell will let him back after 4) and keep the Steelers above water. They also have to replace the production of Santonio Holmes.

Cleveland
Pros: Eh... They have some leadership now with Jake Delhomme, and Josh Cribbs and Jerome Harrison are explosive playmakers.
Questions: Pretty much everything else. Need some more receiver help, and that D needs to be able to shut down opponents on a weekly basis. I am sure the Walrus aka Mike Holmgren will have some tricks up his sleeve.

The Ravens own the division, and the Bengals and Steelers will both be in the mix for Wild Card births. The Browns are slowly getting better, but are still some seasons away.