Baltimore Ravens - AFC North NFL Predictions
Although a quick playoff exit might be the lasting memory of the 2006 Ravens, don’t forgot that they won 13 games. Baltimore returns what very well could be a stronger roster that is one year advanced in their quest for the Super Bowl. Most of their defensive and offensive starters return, which means team chemistry will be at a high. Though the loss of Pro Bowl linebacker Adalius Thomas is significant, the Ravens have replaced defensive parts in the past. Given the Ravens’ pedigree, it is difficult to question their decisions on defense. On offense, though, the Ravens swap out an over-the-hill Jamal Lewis for an explosive, younger running back who is about to hit his prime. Willis McGahee presents the Ravens with an additional weapon and furthermore, he doesn’t require the use of a fullback as much as Lewis did. That translates into more three and four wide receiver sets and, eventually, more points for the offense and more balance for a team that should be deemed a Super Bowl contender.

Cincinnati Bengals - AFC North NFL Predictions
After turning into a budding team on the cusp in 2005, the Bengals took a step backwards in 2006. But now that most of the arrests and off-field violations are behind them, the Bengals should be back to contending for a playoff position. For starters, quarterback Carson Palmer spent an offseason working with wide receivers, as opposed to rehabbing, which is what kept him busy last offseason. The boiling point for the Bengals this season is their defense, and they claim it will be improved. That might be a tough sell, now that game-changing linebacker, Odell Thurman, has been suspended for a second consecutive season. Overall, though, the Bengals have a young roster with a number of players (Palmer, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Rudi Johnson, Levi Jones, Johnathan Joseph, Madieu Williams, Ahmad Brooks and Landon Johnson) who are at the beginning or in their prime. Since they are so young, you can expect them to be a year for the wiser from last year’s mistakes and expect them to get stronger as the season wears on. This division is between the Bengals and Ravens.

Cleveland Browns - AFC North NFL Predictions
There is no question that 2007 will be a transitional year for the Browns. But the real intrigue is surrounding possible franchise quarterback Brady Quinn and his potential to turn around the horrific luck of the Browns since their return to the NFL. The coaching staff is on the hot seat and might need to win games to save their job, which means they might be more inclined to play veterans. The front office, though, would prefer to see the younger players on the field to speed up the development process. The Browns desperately need to regain some optimism and some quality flashes from Quinn, as well as the development of Braylon Edwards, would give the offense a real shot in the arm. But there is no skirting the Browns’ mess on defense. Their defensive line is old and breaking down, their linebackers are filled with young potential, their safeties are on the cusp and their cornerbacks are young and inexperienced. At least running back Jamal Lewis won’t be running wild on them twice a year anymore - he is now on the roster.

Pittsburgh Steelers - AFC North NFL Predictions
Now that Bill Cowher is gone, the chin density per population definitely decreases, and so do the Steelers opportunities for contending. Pittsburgh flopped in 2006 after a Championship season in 2005 and now has to answer more questions than they would have liked: Is Ben Roethlisberger going to regain his 2005 form? Can Willie Parker continue to handle the full running back duties? Will the cornerbacks bounce back after an atrocious performance last season? Can first-round pick Lawrence Timmons replace Joey Porter? How does the team look under first-time head coach Mike Tomlin? There is too much uncertainty here to expect this team to win more than eight games.

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