AFC North 2009 Preview and Predictions

Pittsburgh Steelers: The defending Super Bowl champs are feeling good about what they have going on, and they should. The Steelers defense was #1 last year, and they should expect to be as good again this year. What could be scary is that their offense was 20th last year in points scored and they still won 12 games. There isn’t anything to not like about this Steelers team.
Predicted Finish: 12-4



Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens won some impressive games last year and endured a 3 game losing streak to end up at 11-5. The defense as usual was excellent, and their offense with rookie QB Joe Flacco was efficient and took care of their business. The Ravens did lose their #2 and #3 tacklers from last year’s team, Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard, as well as their defensive coordinator. The Ravens first 3 road games of the year are SD, NE and MIN. Don’t be surprised by a 3-3 start.
Predicted Finish: 9-7



Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals enter this season with a lot of question marks and a lot of pressure on a few individuals. Head Coach Marvin Lewis has to prove himself this year or it will most certainly be his last. In fact, if the Bengals don’t get off to a good start Lewis may be gone before the season is too many games old. Chad Ochocinco is expected to rebound from a horrible year, and has a new counterpart at the WR position with Lavernanues Coles replacing TJ Houshmandzadeh who left for Seattle. Lastly, QB Carson Palmer is also looking forward to showing people that he can lead this team.
Predicted Finish: 8-8



Cleveland Browns: The Browns aren’t saying who their starting QB is because new Head Coach Eric Mangini thinks he is clever by keeping it a secret. This highlights the Browns two biggest problems. First, they don’t know who their QB is; and second, their head coach plays these types of games and they never work for him. The Browns lost their #2 person in tackles from last year, Andra Davis; their best WR doesn’t want to be there; their second leading receiver from last year isn’t there this year, and they lost a receiver to a year long suspension (Donte’ Stallworth).
Predicted Finish: 5-11

See The Dean’s AFC West Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC North Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC West Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC South Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC South Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC East Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC East Preview and Predictions.