NFL Rankings: Which divisions will be strongest?
AFC North
This division boasts of having one of the most intense NFL rivalries in recent memories. The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers played like their lives depended on the outcome of their games. Usually they did. At least their playoff games did.
Last season, however, the fortunes of both teams changed. They each finished the season 8-8, and neither team made it to the playoffs. Pittsburgh did win their last three games to make things interesting, however.
Both teams are looking to bounce back. One might have a chance, while the other will have some problems.
Both the Ravens and the Steelers have players who got in trouble with the law. The Ravens’ Ray Rice was arrested for beating his then-fiancee (now wife). His two game suspension caused a furor as many thought it was too light of a punishment. While Ravens fans may still love Rice, he will have trouble when the team goes on the road. Ask Michael Vick.
Gary Kubiak was brought in to add versatility to an offense that just could not run the ball last season. New addition Steve Smith should help spread opposing defenses and open things up for Rice and Bernard Pierce.
If Joe Flacco can bring his playoff magic into the regular season, the Ravens have a shot in this division.
The Steelers have major problems now. This week, it was learned that running backs Le’Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount both were arrested by police for marijuana possession.
Bell and Blount were to be practically the entire running game for the Steelers. Each player is now facing suspension, so that will cripple the Pittsburgh offense. Pittsburgh is also old on defense and those two facts do not bode well for the Steelers. Expect a sub-.500 season from them.
The Cincinnati Bengals went 11-5 and won the division last season. But, once again, Andy Dalton misfired in the playoffs and the Bengals exited early.
For some reason, the Bengals did not give Giovani Bernard enough touches. He is an amazing back, and, if given more touches, can show his ability to run between the tackles, use his speed to run the edges, and make catches out of the backfield.
The pressure will be on Dalton since he signed a new contract. The Bengals have a tough schedule in the first half of the season, so I don’t expect the same magic from last season. They will be in the hunt for a playoff spot, but ultimately they won’t make it.
What can be said about the Cleveland Browns? They are constantly looking for their franchise quarterback. They think they found him in Johnny Manziel.
Even though the Browns drafted Manziel, they have been acting as if they really don’t want him. Perhaps it was because the owner was the one who wanted him?
New coach Mike Pettine look exactly like that-a new coach. He dragged out the Brian Hoyer-Manziel competition and it seemed like he could not make a decision. Manziel will cast a dark shadow on Pettine and Hoyer this season. Add to that the fact that Josh Gordon may miss the entire season, and you have Cleveland fans thinking they at least have LeBron James back.