2008 NFL Season Preview: AFC North

I think that the two strongest divisions (in terms of overall talent, not ability to win games) are, as DA eluded to, the NFC East, and as I’m about to break down, the AFC North. While the Bengals and Ravens are certainly second and third tier teams in this league, the Browns (that’s right, those Browns) and especially the Steelers, have a very real chance of becoming the AFC’s ticket to the Super Bowl. So long as Big Ben can keep away from photos like this…

The AFC North is my fantasy football division of the year. From a fantasy stand point I can find at least a few things in each team that I truly love. From the bottom up: Willis McGahee (will be a top 8 fantasy back this season) and even Troy Smith I think will be great. Carson Palmer will have another explosive fantasy season with the likes of T.J. Who’syourmama and even the injured Ocho Cinco who should be back to full strength soon. What part of the Brown’s offense do you know not love? And very quietly last season, Ben Roethlisberger had a phenomenal year (a 104.1 QB Rating, 3,154 yards and 32 TDs), also look for Hines Ward to have one last bang as a prominent receiver in this league. If only fantasy translated into realty. Sigh. The truth of the matter is that their are four very competitive teams in the North this season, but only two will make noise.

In order of projected finish:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ever so secretly the Steel Curtain has both a top-five offense and defense in the National Football League. It seems mind-boggling that a combination that deadly could go so over looked, but so go the 2007 and 2008 Steelers’ teams. As I alluded to, last year Big Ben had a superb campaign with new coach Omar Epps (ne Mike Tomlin) at the helm. The Steelers tantalized opposing defenses with a deadly play action pass game. With a weapon like Willie Parker in the backfield, the deep ball was opened up for Ward and soon-to-be superstar Santonio Holmes. And with a impact defense led by Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh appears to be firing on all cylinders. I love the new approach that Tomlin has brought to this ball club. A more relaxed system, while still holding true to the old school Steeler values. A style like that is hard to come by, but in his first season Tomlin has seemed to have mastered the intricacies. Look for the Black and Gold deep in the postseason.

2. Cleveland Browns: The words "Cleveland Browns" and "playoffs" just don’t seem to go together. They’re right up along the lines of lamb and tuna fish (two points if you got that reference). This year though appears to be Browns’ breakthrough season. Cleveland undoubtedly has one of the best offenses in the league. Derek Anderson has emerged as a extra-ordinary QB and with targets like Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow Jr., and Donté Stallworth, he’ll be giddy with that spread system. Jamal Lewis seems to be an appropriate choice for this team’s tailback. What they need is a bruiser, who’ll get those tough yards especially around the goal line. I think Lewis is just the man for the job. The one thing keeping this group from surpassing the Steelers this year is their defense. The anchors of this core are Willie McGinest and Andra Davis both on the left side of that base 3-4. We know that Cleveland will be able to get into the end zone in ’08, the test of time will be whether or not they can keep their opponents out.

3. Cincinatti Bengals: Carson Palmer and the offense are good for seven wins, maybe. If Chris Perry and Kenny Watson can prove to be effective weapons, than Palmer’s PA will become useful, otherwise slants, outs and hooks will be the routes of choice for the Bengals receivers. Both Palmer and Who’syourmama are perennial Pro Bowlers, no one on the defense is though. New Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer will have his work cut out for him when he realizes that his rather aggressive pass-rush style won’t work with no pass rushers. Without a defense, this team won’t be a .500 club, and keep your eye on Marvin Lewis all season, as he is the early favorite for notable guys to get the can before December.

4. Baltimore Ravens: Troy Smith is the right choice to lead this team out of the dungeon. Unfortunately though, it won’t be this season. As usual, the Ravens’ success will hinge on their QB play. Rex Ryan’s defense has been carrying this team for years and it’s about time that the offense and special teams picked up the slack. Right now though, Smith or first round selection Joe Flacco aren’t good enough to do that. Like I said, McGahee is an excellent back and I believe he’ll have a great year, but that’s not quite enough to get this team seven wins. Just think about it logically…Even with their defense, do you feel like this team will win any of their four games against Pittsburgh or Cleveland? Exactly. So that’s already four losses. They’ll most likely split with Cincy, bring the total to five. And then they drew the unfortunate card of playing the NFC East this year. At least three more losses if you ask me. We’re already at eight loses before they take on the AFC South. Rough schedule with inexperienced QBs never bodes well.

Projected Final Records:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

2. Cleveland Browns (10-6)

3. Cincinatti Bengals (6-10)

4. Baltimore Ravens (5-11)