NFL Preview '08: Big Ben and His New Weapons Frontline AFC North

AFC North Standings
1. Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5- AFC North Champions
2. Cleveland Browns 9-7
3. Cincinnati Bengals 6-10
4. Baltimore Ravens 3-13

The Pittsburgh Steelers overhauled on offensive weapons in the draft picking up RB Rashad Mendenhall and WR Limas Sweed. Big Ben had a great year last year, and looks poised for another solid 2008 campaign. The Steelers defense is a solid group and should lead this team to a division title. The Cleveland Browns had some great pick-ups of their own this offseason in DT Shaun Rogers and WR Donte Stallworth. Rogers should solidify that defensive line and Stallworth gives QB Derek Andersen a deep threat in the passing game. The Browns have great upside, but their schedule could make it tough for them to reach the 10 win mark. I see Cleveland in the 9 win area and once again just missing the playoffs. The Cincinnati Bengals are one of those swing teams. They could pick up 9 or 10 wins and make the p! layoffs or fail mightily with 5 or 6. Cinci has struggled over the past two seasons, and I still do not see the pieces on defense, so I have them slotted for 6 wins. With Carson Palmer, Ocho-Cinco, T.J. Who's-your-mama, and a healthy Rudi Johnson in the backfield, this offense could carry this team into the playoffs. The Baltimore Ravens are anemic offensively and have two so-so QB's and a kid with a lot of upside. McGahee is banged up, so I think the Ravens will be awful once again. With that defense you never know though, but I just do not see enough for even a passable offense right now.
Next up the AFC South. Will the Colts continue to reign supreme in the NFL's best division, or will it be the underrated Jaguars? Stay tuned.