Answer: Neither

The Reigning King of the AFC North Heads South

By Marco, TSZ Co-Founder

Adam Duritz once sang the memorable lyrics, “It’s raining in Baltimore, baby, but everything else is the same.” These words will be eerily prophetic for the AFC North this season. Unfortunately for their fans, Baltimore will not withstand the rain as the they slide down the division standings this year. Meanwhile, the Bengals and Browns will end up with the same record as last year, which can only mean that Mr. Duritz forgot to add these lyrics to his song: “And the Steelers return to glory.” Not all songs rhyme, okay.

Pittsburgh Steelers

2012 Record: 8-8

Last season, the Steelers clawed their way through injuries and a non-existent running game to a .500 overall record. Coach Mike Tomlin is one of the best in the game at getting his guys focused on what’s ahead. You better believe he has worked all off-season to instill confidence back into his players. The addition of rookie RB Le’Veon Bell will pay immediate dividends. Much is being made of wide receiver Mike Wallace leaving town, but he really took a step backwards last season. Wide out Antonio Brown becomes the number one receiver on the team, which suits him well, and allows Emmanuel Sanders more catches in an offense in which he can excel. 

                           

The Steeler defense is not deep, but if they can stay healthy they will end up as one of the best in the league again. Last season they only allowed an average of 185.2 passing yards per game and 90.6 yards on the ground. Offensive struggles in 2012 overshadowed how great this defense is still. Combine that with their clutch quarterback Big Ben and you have a recipe for a potential Super Bowl Champion. Pittsburgh has a really, really, really easy schedule this season, and with that in mind, I have them winning 11 games and overtaking the Bengals for the division title.

                            

2013 Projected Record: 11-5 (Over/Under 9.5) OVER

Cincinnati Bengals

2012 Record: 10-6

The Cincinnati Bengals proved their worth to football fans last season. The “Ginger Rocket” Andy Dalton perfected his connection with now elite wide receiver AJ Green. The only deficit seemed to be the running game at times. The Law Firm lacked break away speed and the ability to break tackles. Cincinnati addressed this in the draft by selecting RB Giovani Bernard. They also snatched Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert, a great steal. Eifert will join Pro-Bowl TE Jermaine Gresham. Also, look for Marvin Lewis to run an offense similar to New England with two top-tier tight ends. If an opposing defense has to keep the tight ends honest, imagine what kind of numbers AJ Green can put up.

                        

Last year’s defense was in the top ten in points allowed, total yards allowed, and passing yards allowed, and I assume they will improve upon their dominance this year. The only things holding me back from projecting a better overall record are tough match-ups in their schedule and watching them last year when they lost confidence late in games.

                            

2013 Projected Record: 10-6 (Over/Under 8.5) OVER

Baltimore Ravens

2012 Record: 10-6

Last season, the Ravens were not the most talented squad in the NFL, but they did have the best leadership. Losing key contributors and locker room guys like Ed Reed, Anquan Boldin, Paul Kruger, and Ray Lewis with all of his interpretive dance skills- will cost Baltimore a spot in this year’s playoffs. The tough schedule doesn’t do them any favors either. They play Houston, Denver, New England and the rest of the AFC East.

               

The latest news of TE Dennis Pitta being injured for possibly the entire season is costly. QB Joe Flacco needs a reliable target in the middle of the field to feel comfortable and to compliment the deep routes of wide receiver Torrey Smith. Losing both offensive safety nets in Boldin and Pitta will turn Joe Flacco’s season into a bust. The defense got younger, but looks mediocre at best on paper. 

                

2013 Projected Record: 7-9 (Over/Under 8.5) UNDER

Cleveland Browns

2012 Record: 5-11

Cleveland is hoping their nucleus of young players will collectively take the next step in 2013. Many believe Brandon Weeden will never be a franchise quarterback, but he has shown signs of improvement this preseason under new offensive coordinator Norv Turner. My main question mark going into this season is Trent Richardson’s health. He seems to be dealing with a nagging leg injury…always.

                     

I do love the Browns defense. They are good enough on their own to keep their team in games. Cornerback Joe Haden is one of the most underrated players in the NFL. He leads their secondary while newcomer Paul Kruger will lead the pass rush. Overall, the Browns are close to being competitive in their division, but the tough schedule and injuries will prove too much to overcome. They end up competing more for the #1 pick in the draft, perhaps focusing on a new QB in Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater. Is that not the coolest name ever? I wish I could rename my son. 

                   

       "The name's Bridgewater. Teddy Bridgewater." 

2013 Projected Record: 5-11 (Over/Under 6) UNDER

      2012 AFC North Standings

1. Baltimore Ravens 10-6
2. Cincinnati Bengals 10-6
3. Pittsburgh Steelers 8-8
4. Cleveland Browns 5-11

2013 Projected AFC North Standings

1. Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5
2. Cincinnati Bengals 10-6
3. Baltimore Ravens 7-9
4. Cleveland Browns 5-11