2007 AFC North: Color, Commentary and Rivalries

Now for my projections,

1. Baltimore Ravens 12-4
2. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7
3. Pittsburgh Steelers 8-8
4. Cleveland Browns 6-10

Next, I would like to give an overview of each team and why I positioned them like I did in the standings.

Baltimore Ravens, with one of the top defense in the NFL they are a shoo-in for 1st place in the AFC North. I think the Ravens had a good off-season; they cut Jamal Lewis and traded for star running back Willis McGahee. They had a decent draft and I think they are ready for this coming season. They had no major losses and they still have the whole defense intact. The only problem was when Steve McNair was charged with a DUI. Now I would like to take a quick glance at the Ravens' schedule and point of their important games. Ravens will kick off the season with the first Monday Night Football game of the year against the Cinncy Bengals. They most likely win this game and their next 6. I'm thinking they will start off the season with a 7-0 or 6-1 note. Trouble won't strike until week 12. When they go visit the San Diego Chargers. After that they will then have the Colts and Pats visit them in weeks 13 and 14. But, from then out they won't find any troubles in their schedule.

Cincinnati Bengals, being the team that they are I don't think we will see a decline or increase in their record from last season. They had an ok off-season and I think the team will most likely come in 2nd in the AFC North next season. There were no major losses or gain in the roster but, they did sign LB Edgerton Hartwell on Friday. Besides that the team will be the same old Bengals. Their schedule begins with a rocky start, playing the Pats, Ravens and Seahawks in the first four games. After that they play the Chiefs in week 6, the Ravens and Steelers in week 10, 8 and 13 and the Rams in weeks 14. Besides that they play teams from he bottom of their divisions. They should end up either 8-8 or 9-7.

Pittsburgh Steelers, with the loss of Bill Cowher the team might not be the same; they better hope the new guy who happens to have no experience can be a good coach. Although they lost Jeff Hartings and Cowher to retirement the team did make some pickups in the off-season. Kevin Barlow was one of the biggest names added and so were some drafts picks. Overall I think they had a good off-season but the new Head Coach will determine their play. I think the Steelers will end up in third but, tied or right behind with the Bengals again just like last year. And if you look at their schedule you will know why. They start off the season playing teams no tougher than the Seattle Seahawks, which arrive to town in week 5. After that they play teams like Denver in week 7 and Baltimore in weeks 9 and 17. The toughest time on that schedule is from week 14-17. They start off against the Pats, then the Jaguars, next arrive in St. Louis and finish the season against the Ravens.

Cleveland Browns, had a great off-season adding players like Jamal Lewis, Brady Quinn and Joe Thomas. I think they are really prepared for next season. The team has really filled some gaps and also added WR Tim Carter. They are definitely building a strong team for the years to come. They will be a good team in 5 years and show a threat to the AFC North. Their schedule has a real bite to it though. Playing teams like New England, Seattle, St. Louis, Baltimore, New York Jets and even Cinncy and Pittsburgh will still beat them but might show a little more struggle than last year. But, from here on out it's a new begging for them.