Jeremy Conn: AFC North Thoughts & Predictions
I think most experts and fans believe this is a 3 team race and the Browns will be pulling up the rear again.
I believe the Steelers offense will be the most complete unit of any of the teams. When Bell gets back from suspension and with the receiving core they have in place, they will be a top 5 offense. The Steelers defense concerns me. They are very weak in the secondary and they have some aging veterans in key positions in their front seven. They drafted big Bud Dupree in the first round and I believe their pass rush will have to offset some of the problems they have in the secondary.
The Bengals, in my opinion, are the most complete team in the division. They have a solid running game, a true number one receiver and a solid defense. The big question with the Bengals is with Andy Dalton. Can he lead them deep into the playoffs? I think it's a mental hump that the team has to get over in the postseason and it starts with Dalton. In my opinion Dalton needs to have on of those runs like Flacco did for the Ravens.
The Ravens are very interesting to me this year. I believe they can and will win the division this year. They will be relying on some rookies to play key roles on offense. Perriman and Williams will be asked to do a lot for rookie players, but I believe both will step right in and be key contributors. I think Forsett will have another great year for the Ravens and the running game will allow Flacco to show off that big arm with play action passing. The defense has more depth in the secondary now and with a solid pass rush, this team could have the best defense in the division.
The Browns are still the Browns.... That is all.
