A Casual Fan's Predictions: Who's going to win the AFC North?

The AFC North was one of, if not the, most competitive division in the NFL last season. This year is no different. The Bengals, Steelers, and Ravens will battle it out for the top spot as the improved Browns try and upset their way into the mix. Who moves into the playoffs with the title "AFC North Divisional Champion"? Here's my thoughts.

Pittsburgh's chances are definitely hindered by their quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, being out for the first six games of the season. In that six game span are quality teams like the Falcons, Titans, and division rival, the Ravens. Pittsburgh will definitely be hurting if Byron Leftwich can't lead the team for those first few games.

Last year's division winner, the Cincinnati Bengals, have not been quiet this offseason either. The Bengals signed wide-receivers, Antonio Bryant and now reality star, Terrell Owens. As many do, I question whether or not Owens is a good fit for the team at this point. Owens' numbers have steadily declined over the past few years and if Carson Palmer puts too much faith in him, it could cost the Bengals.

Even with the upgrades in their offense, the Bengals didn't have the best offseason in this division. Both the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns have made huge improvements to their franchises. Let's start with the Browns. Their first great move was signing Joshua Cribbs to a 3-year, $20 million deal. Cribbs was one of the few reasons why the Browns won the few games they did last year. The Browns picked up underrated ex-Saint, Scott Fujita, who will be a nice addition to the already solid defense that includes Shaun Rogers and Sheldon Brown. The biggest area that the Browns improved on however, is clearly their QB situation. They acquired two quality veterans quarterbacks in former Seahawk, Seneca Wallace, and former Carolina starter, Jake Delhomme. It's not set in stone as to who will start for the Browns but both veterans will definitely play a big role in molding top draft pick, Colt McCoy, into a potential starter in the future.

Big surprise, I saved my team for last, the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens' wide receiver position received a big time upgrade with former Cardinal, Anquan Boldin, joining the team in one of the entire NFL offseason's biggest moves in my opinion. The Ravens also drafted well with signings of quality defensive prospects like Sergio Kindle, Terrence Cody, and Arthur Jones. I basically only mentioned Arthur Jones because his brother, Jon Jones, is one of the brightest MMA prospects out there but I seriously think Arthur can be good in the future. Many have made comments about the "aging" Raven's defense but their experience will be invaluable when it comes to passing the torch to these younger guys. Even if Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs are a bit banged up, they can still play defense better than a lot of guys 10 years younger and many would say that the Ravens defense is one of the best in the AFC. I think with the additions in their offensive weaponry, Joe Flacco will finally come into his own and be able to become the QB that many hoped he could be. It'll be no surprise to some, but I'm taking the Baltimore Ravens to win the AFC North.

Blog – 1 year, 5 months ago by EBWReturns to Football. 1444 views, 1 like, 2 comments.