Being my first ‘Division’ prediction, ever, I figured I might as well do one for the division I know most about! The AFC North is usually an entertaining and exciting division. The matches are played well, and are usually close. Rivalry is fierce and the bouts are relentless. It’s always difficult predicting without seeing the four pre-season matches, but I’m going to give it a go.

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Baltimore Ravens

I’ll try not to be too biased here. We’ve significantly strengthened this off-season, both in the draft and trades. Our offensive line is still as strong, our running game still has a 3-man attack and our defence is still a no-nonsense, hard-hitting gang with additions of massive monster players who I really look forward to seeing in purple (Sergio Kindle and Mount Cody). Joe Flacco will be the one to watch this coming season. He has more weapons than he has ever had, so in my opinion it is make or break for him. If, after this season, our passing game hasn’t improved then I think we need to analyse why that is. With Derek Mason, Anquan Boldin, Todd Heap, Ray Rice and Donte’ Stallworth to throw to we should be putting up big numbers. It’s an exciting time in Baltimore. We’re looking not only for the Divisional Title, but the Superbowl too.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals played some good football last season. I was impressed. Carson Palmer is an amazing quarterback on his day and I look forward to seeing him again this term. He has the added weapon of Antonio Bryant, which I think is a superb pick up for the Bengals. They also grabbed Jermaine Gresham in the draft, a definite prospect and one who could go straight into the starting line-up. They haven’t exactly weakened over the off-season so I’m expecting much of the same from the Bengals. They’ll prove a worthy foe :)

Cleveland Browns

The Browns started off the season as expected last term. They didn’t impress anybody. Harsh, but true. Nobody (except me it seems) predicted them to win any games towards the end of last season, but they seemed to settle and looked more established. Brady Quinn is released, Jake Delhomme comes in. Puzzling really. I always thought Quinn had potential. Colt McCoy is a good move in the draft though. He’s young and hungry, and could well find himself playing a part this season. I think I’d trust the rookie over Delhomme any day of the week!
Ben Watson comes in at tight end too. I think he will be a solid option on offence and I always did like him at New England. They have improved defensively and I’m looking forward to seeing Joe Haden playing. That said, I don’t think they have made the moves to rise up in the division and I still feel the other three teams are stronger.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Aaaah, the Steelers. I won’t say anything about the off-field issues; instead I’ll just get to the point. Santonio Holmes has left for pastures new (Jets) leaving Mike Wallace to fill the void he has left. Wallace did show signs of being a good target, but whether he can be as reliable as Holmes remains to be seen. Big Ben definitely misses the first 4 matches of the season, possibly first 6. A massive blow for the Steelers. Their star quarterback and one of their big receiving targets missing. For this reason I don’t think that Pittsburgh will be contending for the AFC North title. They have weakened whereas others have strengthened and it will be their downfall this season.

Predictions (made 14th June 2010)

# Team
1 Baltimore Ravens
2 Cincinatti Bengals
3 Pittsburgh Steelers
4 Cleveland Browns

Image Credit: Alan Bowser