Part Deux: AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals: 11- 5; 1st place

The Bengals won this division last season, and should repeat behind their top five defense. That was their strong point last year, which complimented their fine running game. They choked at the end, losing twice to the Jets, which is typical of an Ohioan team (I'll get more to that later.) This team certainly has great potential, and could make quite a run into the postseason.

I am looking to see Carson Palmer take that step to become an elite QB. He has had the weapons downfield before, but now he has experience under his belt. This team should evolve from a running oriented team into a passing friendly team, if only to keep Terrell Owens happy. Their defense should not have to carry this team as it did last season. Cedric Benson could see an increase in yards per carry since many defenses will focus on shutting down Chad Ochocinco and TO, holes will be created at the front line. This team is complete all-around and should not have any trouble winning this division.

Baltimore Ravens: 10-6; 2nd place

Expect a repeat of last season, with the Bengals winning the division, and the Ravens winning a Wild Card berth. With the addition of Anquan Boldin, the Ravens equal the Bengals in terms of offensive weapons, and their defense is normally stellar. The flaw in their defense lies in their age and fragility. Ray Lewis is ancient, and though he has given no indication he in not an elite QB eater, he is quite old. They've been bitten by the injury bug during training camp, the biggest being Ed Reed. Without him, the Ravens' D is as vulnerable as the Jets'.

As long as the Ravens' new look offense can carry them through the initial games without Reed, his return should spark them into the playoffs. Boldin, Todd Heap, Ray Rice, and Derrick Mason are quite a display of talent. Providing Joe Flacco continues to improve, this team is a definite contender. He won't have the season I am expecting out of Palmer, but given those weapons, Flacco needs to maintain his ascent into stardom

Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-8, 3rd place

The Steelers have problems. Well, the Steelers have a problem. Big Ben Roethlisberger. He will miss a good chunk of the season and a team missing their "elite" QB will surely struggle. Their defense should be solid yet again, but their offense, or lack thereof could create chinks in the defense's armor, since they will remain on the field longer.

Big Ben imploded the Steeler's season before it even began. He may not be the best QB in the league but he is much better at decision making on the field than off it. This team will certainly struggle without his "leadership." Tomlin has a strong voice though, and will keep the team above the Browns, but the Bengals and Ravens have too good of teams to take down.

Cleveland Browns: 6-10; 4th place

Sure, the Browns acquired a proven QB in Jake Delhomme, sure they acquired Seneca Wallace, but they neglected to acquire something that has been left out of Cleveland's vocabulary for years: hope. Are Delhomme and Wallace going to be that much better than Derrek Anderson and Brady Quinn? Doubtftul. Not when they have no one to throw to, and a questionable running game. They had a despicable offense last year, and really, adding Delhomme changes nothing.

Their defense is not much better. This team gave up a lot of points last year, and will do the same this year. Coach Eric Mangini is looking less like Mangenius and more overrated as each season passes. This team needs to be remodeled from the bottom up. Changing out QBs is a start, but not when replacing with mediocre ones. Poor Cleveland. Fans won't have the Cavs to look forward to midseason anymore; it's going to be a few sad years for that city until either of the teams learns how to rebuild properly.

Tomorrow: AFC South