The NFL preseason is now well and truly underway as are our season previews. After analyzing the AFC East last Sunday, we now turn our attention to one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL; the AFC North. History:
AFC North has been in its current alignment since 2002 when the Tennessee Titans were removed and the division changed its name from AFC Central. Since that time the division has been very tight with the Pittsburgh Steelers winning the division five times, followed by the Baltimore Ravens with three titles and the Cincinnati Bengals with two. The Cleveland Browns have never won the division, in its current form, and have not made the play-offs since 2002. The division has a recent history of qualifying teams for a wild card with the division having five wild card qualifiers in the last four years. Baltimore Ravens Last Year:
For the second consecutive season the Ravens bowed out of the play-offs in heartbreaking circumstances. In the final two minutes quarterback Joe Flacco led the Ravens down the field to give kicker Billy Cundiff an opportunity to tie the game against the Patriots. Cundiff missed a simple field-goal and the Patriots went on to the Super Bowl. Like usual the Ravens defense, led by Ray Lewis, was exceptional ranking 3rd in the NFL. The major negative of 2011 was Flacco who had an average season and had critics questioning whether he had improved since his rookie season. Off Season Acquisitions:
The Ravens have had a terrible off-season losing guard Ben Grubbs; defensive tackles Brandon McKinney and Cory Redding as well as safety Tom Zbikowski. However, the biggest blow came with the news NFL Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs would miss the 2012 NFL season with a torn Achilles tendon. Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw was the Ravens top pick in the 2012 draft with the rookie likely to be given the opportunity to fill the massive shoes of Suggs. The loss of such quality players will really test the Ravens defense this season. Biggest Question:
Will the Ravens overcome the loss of Suggs? The Ravens really rely on their defense. If the defense slips in 2012 it will really ramp up the pressure on Joe Flacco. Odds: (From Intertops)
To Win Superbowl: +1600 ($17) Season Outlook:
To Win Conference: +700 ($8)
To Win Division: +130 ($2.30)
John Harbaugh has turned the Ravens into a disciplined force. They are also a team full of leaders with: Ray Lewis, Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin and Joe Flacco all able to step up and fill the leadership void created by Suggs absence. Because of this the Ravens should be able to overcome Suggs injury and still be a force in the AFC. With Lewis now 37, time is running out for the Ravens to give him a much deserved Super Bowl title. Best Bet: Bet on the Baltimore Ravens to win the AFC North at Intertops Pittsburgh Steelers Last Year:
The Steelers were a defensive powerhouse in 2011; ranking number 1 in the league. Their defense had a meltdown of sorts in the playoffs, conceding over 300 passing yards from Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos in the AFC Wild Card Game. Offensively, the Steelers were disrupted by injuries to Ben Roethlisberger and Rashard Mendenhall and struggled throughout the season. With Mendenhall to miss the early stages of the season the pressure is on Roethlisberger to turn this offence around. Off Season Acquisitions:
The Steelers have lost a wealth of experience in the offseason. The Steelers said goodbye to: Hines Ward, James Farrior, Aaron Smith, Arnaz Battle, Chris Kemoeatu, Bryant McFadden, William Gay, Jamon Meredith and Chris Hoke. It is hard to see what the Steelers have done to replace this group. They boosted their offensive line in the draft by selecting Stanford guard David DeCastro but have not upgraded their roster with any meaningful free agents. Couple this with the contract saga involving Mike Wallace and it hasn’t been a good off season for the Steelers.
Biggest Question:
Will the offensive line improve? The Steelers offensive line must give Big Ben more protection if they are going to make a serious run at the Superbowl this season. Odds: (From Intertops) Season Outlook:
To Win Superbowl: +1600 ($17)
To Win Conference: +700 ($8)
To Win Division: +125 ($2.25)
Pittsburgh will still be strong defensively, in 2012, and that should be enough to make it to the playoffs for the third straight season. However, there are still question marks over their offence coming into this season. The Steelers have announced they plan to pass more in 2012 but without Mike Wallace they need to find another plan. If make the playoffs and find some form offensively they may be tough to beat. Best Bet: Bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers to win the Superbowl at Intertops Cincinnati Bengals Last Year:
The Bengals defied all preseason expectations to qualify for the playoffs in 2011. The combination of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green combined brilliantly to make a big impression in their rookie seasons. The team was strong defensively as well finishing inside the top 10. While they didn’t make much of an impact come playoff time nobody could argue it wasn’t a successful year for the Bengals franchise. Off Season Acquisitions:
The Bengals have recruited well once again taking advantage of the additional draft picks they received for Carson Palmer last season. On offense, they brought in Rutgers wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, Georgia tight end Orson Charles, California wide receiver Marvin Jones and Ohio State running back Dan Herron while on defense they looked to improve their defensive line. The signing of veteran BenJarvus Green-Ellis adds some experience to their young offence. Biggest Question:
Who will start at Cornerback? The Bengals have a mix of experience and youth at cornerback with nobody standing out as their star at the position. It is a tough choice for defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Odds: (From Intertops) Season Outlook: Best Bet: Bet on the Cincinnati Bengals to win the AFC North at Intertops Cleveland Browns
To Win Superbowl: +4000 ($41)
To Win Conference: +2000 ($21)
To Win Division: +400 ($5)
The Bengals are a side with limitless potential. Quarterback Andy Dalton has put his hand up to control the offense and that type of confidence is what you want to see in a young player. His combination with Green is one of the best in the NFL and the addition of BenJarvus Green-Ellis should improve their running game. The Bengals are a significant chance to put a scare in the Ravens and Steelers for the division title and win their first playoff game in 21 years.
Last Year:
The Browns struggled once again in 2012 going 5-11 and placing last in their division. Their offence was terrible throughout the season with Colt McCoy not turning into the franchise quarterback the Browns had hoped he would be and Peyton Hillis having a shocking sophomore season at running back. One positive was the defense which was the fifth best in the league and conceded over 30 points just twice in the season. Off Season Acquisitions:
The Browns had an excellent 2012 draft picking up a stud running back in Trent Richardson and a new starting quarterback in Brandon Weeden. From all reports Weeden has been excellent in the off season and is ready to lead this offence. Richardson has had an injury-plagued offseason but has potential to become the best running back in the NFL. They had a strong overall draft class filling in holes in their defense and offensive line. Biggest Question:
Will Richardson be fit for the opening game of the season? Richardson had successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee last week and the Browns are hopeful he will be ready to face the Philadelphia Eagles in week 1. Richardson is expected to be a major part of the Browns offense in 2012 and any extended absence is sure to hurt the franchises chances of having a successful season. Season Outlook:
The Browns are likely to improve as a football side in 2012 but it won’t be enough for them to have a winning season. They are in the strongest division in the NFL and have an extremely tough schedule. Richardson and Weeden would both need to have record-breaking rookies seasons if the Browns are going to get anywhere near the playoffs.
Best Bet: Don’t bet on the Cleveland Browns
