AFC North Predictions
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens should finally have a potent offense with the addition of wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth. The pressure will fall on Joe Flacco to make it effective. The defense is as solid as ever with the additions of defensive tackle Terrence Cody and linebacker Sergio Kindle through the NFL draft. Safety Ed Reed won’t be ready for the start of the season, opening a spot for Ken Hamlin or Tom Zbikowski. The secondary is the biggest question in Baltimore with a shaky cornerback position. Jared Gaither is switching to right tackle to make way for real life “Blind Side” star Michael Oher.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers had an up-and-down season last year. They return strong safety Troy Polamalu. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is suspended the first month of the year, which puts them second in the AFC North in my book. Either Byron Leftwich or Charlie Batch will lead the offense for as much as the first quarter of the season. Hines Ward needs to be complemented at wide receiver. Mike Wallace, Antwaan Randle El, Emmanuel Sanders and Arnaz Battle will make their case in camp. But, the Steelers’ defense could carry them into the playoffs.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
In the most newsworthy offseason move, Terrell Owens will be joining Chad Ochocino in Cincinnati. In other words, the Bengals should be hilarious to watch all season long. However, unless the defense plays uncharacteristically well like last season, they won’t make the playoffs. Antonio Bryant, Matt Jones and Jordan Shipley are all viable third options at receiver. It will be interesting to see how quarterback Carson Palmer handles the new talent. The secondary includes safety Gibril Wilson and troublemaker Adam “Pacman” Jones. The revamped passing attack puts a lot of pressure on the Bengals’ thin interior line and Palmer, so I predict them to finish third in the division.
4. Cleveland Browns
Mike Holmgren brings a winning mentality as the new coach of the Browns, but that won’t be nearly enough. Holmgren isn’t the only new addition in Cleveland. There’s a new general manager, three new quarterbacks, new running backs, a new tight end and a revamped defensive secondary. The quarterbacks include Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace and Colt McCoy. Look for Delhomme to be named the starter but nothing good to come out of it.
AFC North Division Winner Odds (provided by Ladbrokes)
Baltimore Ravens: 10/11
Pittsburgh Steelers: 12/5
Cincinnati Bengals: 11/4
Cleveland Browns: 16/1