Around the NFL: AFC North

[PSUSkinsFan21]

Steelers 13-3: Still the cream of the crop in this division. There is no reason to believe Ben won't be even better this year. He's the perfect QB for the Steelers because he doesn't try to do too much, manages the game well, and makes plays when they need them. The O-line is underrated and very strong. I don't think the loss of Buress hurts them that much and I like what I've seen in Fred Gibson so far. The D doesn't even need to be discussed......suffice it to say it will be one of the top 2 or 3 D's in the league. Only potential weakness: Running Game. Bettis is wearing down and I think last year must have taken some toll on him. Staley just always seems to be injured. I do like Verron Hayes though if they need to turn to their #3 back.

Bengals 10-6: D is still a bit of a question, but I think they will be better this year. Palmer is having a great camp, and Chad Johnson is amazing. The running game is very strong and deep with Rudi, Chris Perry, and Kenny Watson (why did we ever let him go?). To win games, they'll need to score points, and I think they will with ease. Playoffs for the Bengals.....finally.

Ravens 9-7: All 9 wins credited to their defense and Jamal Lewis. Kyle Boller is just terrible, and I don't see him getting any better. Mason may help, and Clayton should be a starter by mid-season......but this still won't be a passing attack that will scare anyone. Heap is good if he can stay healthy.......and more and more that seems to be a big IF. Nevertheless, this D is on par with the D they had when they won a championship with Trent Dilfer at the healm. They miss the playoffs because Boller single-handedly blows at least 5 games for them.

Browns 3-13: "With the first pick in the 2006 draft, the Cleveland Browns select......" Ok, maybe the Titans will battle with them for this honor, but I don't see anything in the Browns that warrants optimism other than, maybe, Braylon (who is just now getting to camp and working his way up the depth charts). I suppose the running game could be promising, but I see another RB controversey here with three guys who want to start (two of which won't be happy). Regardless of whether that controversey makes for inspired play or becomes a distraction, there are too many other weaknesses here for the Browns to overcome.

[SmootSmack]

Steelers: 10-6: I think Big Ben will experience a bit of a sophomore slump and who replaces Plax now? My feeling is that they won't win the division so much as do just enough to not lose it, no other team is quite there yet. Is Bill Cowher the best pro coach never to have won a title?

Bengals: 10-6: I thought Palmer was going to be a total bust, but that's unfair to him because really I was lumping him with past Bengal "greats" Akili Smith and David Klingler. He's pretty decent, and should only get better.

Ravens: 8-8: Will the Kyle Boller love fest please end this year?

Browns 5-11: They're taking the first steps. Braylon Edwards and Romeo Crennel were nice pickups this year. But what I really like is Phil Savage to run the front office. That's one of the more underrated moves of the offseason. I also like the drafting of Charlie Frye. I expect him to start in 2006