2008 NFL Season Preview: AFC North Projections

Projected record (11-5)

Many analysts are ready to crown the Cleveland Browns as the kings of the AFC North in 2008. However, I for one must see it for myself. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been the team to beat in this division for most of the decade. Most of their offensive nucleus will return in 2008, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, wide receivers Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, running back Willie Parker, and tight end Heath Miller. They added rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall, who will likely see his role increase as the season progresses.

Defensively, the Steelers will use the same three-four defense they used last year. The only key loss on defense for the Steelers is Linebacker Clark Haggans.

Mike Tomlin will embark upon his second season as Steelers head coach.

Expect the Steelers to emerge as the team to beat in the AFC North. However, it will be quite a dogfight between the Steelers and their nemesis, the Cleveland Browns.

Overall grade- B+

2. Cleveland Browns

Projected record (10-6)

The Cleveland Browns narrowly missed the playoffs last season; however, many felt as if they were good enough to advance to the second round if they had the chance. Heading into 2008, the Browns are highly touted as the team to beat in the AFC North. They have a talented offensive core, led by wide receiver Braylon Edwards, who enjoyed a breakout year in 2007. Quarterback Derek Anderson was one of the pleasant surprises in the NFL last season. Anderson suffered a concussion in the pre-season game against the New York Giants, and may rest for the remainder of the preseason. Brady Quinn is an adequate backup in case Anderson becomes injury riddled.

Veteran running back Jamal Lewis returns after a solid 2007 campaign.

The Browns added wide receiver Donte Stallworth to the offensive unit, which gives Anderson another solid option other than Edwards and Kellen Winslow.

The Browns weakness was on defense in 2007. They added three veteran defenders, defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, defensive end Corey Williams, and cornerback Terry Cousin. Rogers is the only free agent signing that is likely to start. The Browns will stick with the 3-4 defensive scheme.

Bill Belichick's former apprentice Romeo Crennel will return as the Browns head coach.

The Browns will likely qualify for their second post-season appearance this decade, which would be the first time since 2002.

Overall grade- B+

3. Cincinnati Bengals

Projected record (8-8)

Following the 2007 season, it seemed as if Chad Johnson was going to talk his way out of Cincinnati. However, the flamboyant wide receiver is still sporting the black and orange colors. Johnson suffered a shoulder injury in preseason, and he is questionable for the season opener. T.J. Houshmanzedah has also missed most of the preseason. The Bengals re-signed troubled wide receiver Chris Henry, but could simply be a display of panic and desperation.

Quarterback Carson Palmer is the one constant in a patchy offense. Palmer is one of the top five or six quarterbacks in the NFL, but he needs a more reliable supporting cast. Running back Rudi Johnson spent a bulk of the 2007 injured. Kenny Watson displayed flashes of potential while filling in. Do no be surprised if Watson is the Bengals featured running back by mid-October.

The Bengals stagnant defense has plenty of room for improvement. They have a new defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, so they may modify the defensive game plan, which could mean that they experiment with something other than the traditional 4-3 defense.

Marvin Lewis returns as head coach of the Bengals.

If Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmanzedah are healthy, the Bengals could be a potential Wild Card team, but in all likelihood, they will be shutout of the playoffs for a third consecutive season.

Overall Grade- C-

4. Baltimore Ravens

Projected record (4-12)

The Baltimore Ravens were arguably the most disappointing team in the NFL in 2007. This time a year ago, there were rumblings of another Super Bowl appearance for the 2000 Super Bowl champions. Instead, they stumbled to a 5-11 record. In fact, the highlight of their season was a loss, not a victory. They gave the then-perfect New England Patriots all they could handle during a nationally televised Monday night showdown.

The Ravens aggressive defense has been a mainstay throughout the decade, but they are not as good as they were a couple of years ago. Linebacker Ray Lewis is still the heart and soul of the team. There were a few kinks in the passing attack in 2007.

Offensively, the Ravens should have improved with running back Willis McGahee carrying the ball. While he enjoyed a solid season, the remainder of the offense was flat. Weathered quarterback Steve McNair is no longer a Raven, which means either Kyle Boller or rookie Joe Flacco will start at quarterback.

The wide receiver duo of Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason is not exactly Jerry Rice/John Taylor, but they typically produce respectable numbers.

For the first time since 1998, Brian Billick will not be calling the shots as Ravens head coach. John Harbaugh will assume the head coach duties. The freshman head coach will have his work cut out for him.

The 2008 season for the Ravens could mirror the 2007 season, which is obviously not a good thing. They could use an accomplished wide receiver, such as Anquan Boldin who recently told the Arizona Cardinals that he wishes to be traded.

Overall grade- F