The AFC North prevailed as last year's best division in the AFC, as the AFC Championship game was a rivalry game between the Steelers and the Ravens. The Super Bowl champion Steelers have not repeated as champions since 1978-1979, and they have almost the exact same team as they did last year. The Browns do not know who their quarterback is going to be and had many distractions with Donte Stallworth. They are looking to get back on track like they were in 2007. Cincinnati has a confident Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco, and the team has high expectations for themselves. The Ravens were one game away from returning to the Super Bowl, and it was a with a rookie quarterback. Will the Steelers repeat? Will the Bengals have a good season? My predictions are...
Team on the Rise: Cincinnati Bengals
I think that a healthy Carson Palmer and the Bengals wide receivers can make something happen this year. Carson Palmer coming back is definitely a plus, and the acquisition of Laveranues Coles is a big help for the team. Also, they signed first-round pick Andre Smith today.
Team on the Decline: Baltimore Ravens
I would choose Cleveland, but it is tough to do worse than they did last year. I like the Ravens as a team, but I do not think they can get 11 wins again. Bart Scott is a major loss, along with Chris McAlister, although the cornerback is past his prime. They will still have a great defense, but they lost a few pieces of it in the offseason.
Biggest Impact Players: Carson Palmer and Joe Flacco
Carson Palmer is healthy again, and if the Bengals want to improve, they need their QB healthy. They have a good group of receiver, but it is only possible if the quarterback gets the job done. Joe Flacco is coming off of a great rookie season, but they need him to have a good season if they want to stay in contention. The Ravens have Le'Ron McClain and Willis McGahee, but Flacco needs to be the leader for them.
Best Offense: Pittsburgh Steelers
The defending champs return most of their primary starters on offense, and I think a healthy Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall can really help the team. Santonio Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger are a great QB-WR combo, and I am expecting great things from the two.
Best Defense: Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh and Baltimore are two standout defenses in the league, but the reason why I picked the Steelers is because Baltimore lost some key players to their D last year. Pittsburgh returns last year's NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison, and I like James Farrior at linebacker as well. Casey Hampton is a great player on their defensive line, too.
Best Division Game: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
Two days after Christmas in Week 16, the Ravens travel to Pittsburgh. The Ravens lost to the Steelers twice in the regular season last year and once in the playoffs, and the Ravens want revenge. However, I give the edge to Pittsburgh because they are home. This is a crucial AFC North game.
Division Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
The defending champions have a great offense and an even better defense, and the team returns most of their players from last year. Again, I think the key for them is staying healthy, especially at the running back position.
In the picture: Baltimore Ravens - I did say Baltimore was on the decline, but that doesn't mean they will not be good. An 11-5 season in the same division as the Super Bowl champions is tough to repeat, but Baltimore should be back this season with the motivation to get to the Super Bowl.
1 comment:
I agree about Pittsburgh - they have a lot of spread out talent. Baltimore should be good too with Flacco in his second year. A very tough division, especially with the defending champs.
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