bet on AFC

2007 AFC North Division PreviewThe AFC North Division is going to prove to be one of the toughest divisions in the AFC this season. With Baltimore, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Cleveland all making big moves over the offseason. Here is my breakdown of the AFC North.
The Baltimore Ravens were the best in the AFC North last year with a 13-3 record. We all know that the Ravens have always had a powerful defense, but in the offseason they’ve lost some players to free agency. They’ve managed to fill the void nicely and should continue to be the same defensive team they were previously. Offensively the Ravens lost Probowler Jamal Lewis, so they might not have the depth in their running game but they did manage to get experienced runningbacks to fill in. The Ravens schedule is not all that tough before their Bye (week8). They have a good chance at 7-0 before their schedule gets tougher.
The Cincinnati Bengals are definite contenders for top spot in the AFC North, not because of defense but because of their offense. The Bengals went 8-8 last year, but this year the Bengals are STACKED! They’ve kept last year’s offense the same and improved on defense. Carson Palmer had a standout year in 2006 breaking all sorts of Bengals records and his offense was rank 2nd in the NFL. He also threw 153 consecutive passes without an interception. It’s going to be another stellar offensive year for Cincinnati. As for their schedule their first two games are divisional and are KEY to the Bengals success. All of the Bengals games before the BYE (week5) are tough.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are another good looking team in the AFC North. The Steelers finished the season with an 8-8 record and are looking to improve. It seems the only thing the coach thought they needed improvement on was running. If Pittsburgh wants to do well in this division they’ve got to get out to a good start and need more than a 3 game win streak. Their schedule isn’t that tough. If they can go 4-1 before their BYE (Week 6) it’ll help. As for divisional play, last year they were 3-3. Now they need to be thinking more like 5-1.
The Cleveland Browns finished last in the AFC North with a record of 4-12. The team’s been reworked and is looking competitive this year. In previous years they didn’t have experienced or talented players, but now they have the skills to compete. Notre Dame Superstar Brady Quinn wants a chance at quarterback but might not be used to the speed of the big leagues yet. One thing NOT in the Browns favor this season is their schedule. Their BYE is Week 7 and three of these games are divisional, with four teams being of high caliber. Cleveland may need a couple more years before they can take first place in AFC North.
Bottom Line:I can tell you who won’t be at the top of the AFC North. CLEVELAND! The hard part is figuring out first place between Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Baltimore. The definite favorites are Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Both teams have strong defenses as well as superb offenses. Both teams have seasoned quarterbacks that are good in the passing game as well as running on the fly. As for Cincinnati, I want them to do well but I don’t think they will get the defense they need to stop these bigger teams even with the Bengals offense. Another key to Pittsburgh’s success will be the health of Ben Roethlisberger. Ben hyper-extended his knee and has troubles with it every now and then. Let’s hope he strengthened it in the offseason. The bottom line to win this division will be BALTIMORE RAVENS. Steve McNair is a running fool and has a rocket for an arm, that along with good offensive linemen to protect him, Baltimore will be on top of this division again.

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