AFC North Preview

For the NFC East preview, click here.
For the AFC East preview, click here.
For the NFC South preview, click here.
For the AFC South preview, click here.
For the NFC West preview, click here.
For the AFC West preview, click here.
For the NFC North preview, click here.

It's been a lot of work this week but it's finally down to the last division in the NFL for the previews. I would have liked to save the NFC North for the end, but it works out well. Here's the last of my NFL previews.

AFC North
Common opponents on schedule: AFC West, NFC East

1.  Baltimore Ravens
2011 Record: 12-4, lost in AFC Championship game

This Ravens team is probably one of the most complete in the league. Despite the age of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, this is still a very tough defense, especially up front with guys like Haltoi Ngata. This offense is also a legitimate threat with the most complete back in the league in Ray Rice and the weapons to complement Joe Flacco. He's still not in the class of Brady, Brees and Rodgers regardless of what he says, but he's good enough to get this team to a deep postseason run.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers*
2011 Record: 12-4, lost in AFC Wild Card round

They'll be right in the hunt with Baltimore with that continually tough 3-4 defense, though health is a big concern with these guys. They're already out an offensive lineman in David DeCastro, and for whatever reason James Harrison is not listed on their current depth chart despite being on the roster. Offensively a good to go Rashard Mendenhall will complement a good passing game led by Roethlisberger-to-Mike Wallace combination. These guys will easily get a wild card spot if not the division, but those injuries will be tough to overcome.

3. Cincinnati Bengals
2011 Record: 9-7, lost in AFC Wild Card round

Last year was an interesting look at a team on the rise. Andy Dalton has the makings of a good quarterback, especially with A.J. Green to throw to. Getting the Law Firm will help balance it out with the loss of Cedric Benson. Defensively they have a good secondary, but I'm not sold on the front 7. They'll be right in the hunt for a playoff spot again though; could steal that last wild card again. But I think Dalton will regress just a little bit in his sophomore season.

4. Cleveland Browns
2011 Record: 4-12, missed playoffs

They took advantage of good draft picks in guys like Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson, but there will be a learning curve with these guys. Having Scott Fujita missing in action early on will hurt a defense that otherwise probably will have some issues aside from Joe Haden at corner. They're going in the right direction, but with strength at the top of the division now will take time for this team to fully mature.

So to recap, here's a rough look at the playoff picture for the AFC.

1. Baltimore
2. New England
3. Houston
4. San Diego
5. Pittsburgh
6. Denver 

Coming up here in the next couple days, either here or on Somebody Still Loves You, Alberto Riveron, Nathaniel and I will have our Week 1 NFL picks. The season is right around the corner! If you want to help pick against us, you can join our ESPN Pigskin Pick 'Em group for free. You have a couple days yet. Enjoy the season!