The AFC North is loaded with three teams which could potentially make the playoffs and is always a physical division with the heated rivalries between the four teams in that division. Then, the NFC North is very top heavy with both Green Bay and Minnesota vying to be the top dog in the division, while Chicago is mediocre and Detroit, is well Detroit.
AFC North
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are, to be quite honest, a very bad team. They may show flashes of brilliance, but what team doesn't? The team hopes to find some success with a very successful quarterback throughout his career, Jake Delhomme, and if that fails, with a highly successful backup Seneca Wallace. The Browns also brought in Mike Holmgren as its president to help stabilize things in the front office. But, Delhomme was only successful because he had a terriffic running game behind him most of the time in Carolina and I don't think Jerome Harrison is going to be too good in Cleveland. Then the defense doesn't really have anyone of note either. Cleveland just wishes their only star Josh Cribbs could return every kick for a touchdown.
Prediction: 5-11
Cincinnati Bengals
Granted, I know the Bengals made the playoffs last year and won this division, but then again, these are also the Bengals, who, throughout their history, have stunk. The Bengals have nearly all of the pieces back from last season as well. But, they did add two possible volatile players in Adam Jones who has a history of arrests and of course Team Obliterator, Terrell Owens to compliment Chad Ochocinco. They also had a very good draft with Jermaine Gresham and Carlos Dunlap, who I think will be very good players. But, I just can't see how the team will get past the Steelers and the Ravens into the playoffs.
Prediction: 10-6, outside looking in on playoffs just barely.
Pittsburgh Steeelers
Ben Roethlisberger will be out at least the first four games of the season due to his violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy. But, the team is capable of finishing out his suspension with an even record. Plus, when Big Ben as he is affectionately known in Pittsburgh does come back, they should be fine. Roethlisberger is in the top five of winning percentage all-time. Then, the Steeler defense should be better this season, with a fully healthy Troy Polamalu and of course the defense is nearly always spectacular with great coordinator Dick LeBeau at the helm. Rashard Mendenhall also proved he could handle the load last season after the team diminished Willie Parker's role significantly.
Prediction: 11-5, number 5 seed.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore has put itself in the driver's seat with their acquisition of star receiver Anquan Boldin from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for just a third round and a fourth round draft choice. I do not expect Joe Flacco to regress at all in his third year as the starter. Ray Rice should also again be great in the running game. Finally, the defense may still lose a slight edge by getting another year older, but they will still hit as hard as anyone else in the league, and create turnovers with their blitzes. I expect this team to be one of the best in the league and to fight with the Jets and the other teams I pick in the south and west for the number one seed.
Prediction: 11-5, number 3 seed.
NFC North
Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford showed every person in the league how tough he was as a starter last season, when he threw a game winning touchdown pass with a separated shoulder. That proved to everyone that he belonged as the starter in Detroit. But, with so little surrounding him and protecting him from sacks and hits, it's hard to envision a bright future for the Lions. But, the Lions are trying to help Stafford by gutting the front office and head coach and trying to build a team through the draft. Which, I think is the way it should be done. In a few years the Lions very well could be a playoff team if they continue to upgrade. The Lions did upgrade this season with two draft picks I am high on, Ndamukong Suh and Jahvid Best. Suh should make an immediate impact along the defensive line drawing double teams and allowing the ends to get sacks. Best will eventually succeed Kevin Smith as the number one back and should put up several 1,000 yard seasons. But, let's face it, it's still Detroit and they still will stink, at least this year.
Prediction: 4-12
Chicago Bears
The Bears didn't have a draft choice this year in the first or second round. That, and the enormous amount of cap room they had, allowed them to go out and sign probably the best free agent on the market, Julius Peppers from the Panthers. This signing will definitely help the Bears on defense, but they are still an aging but very talented group of defenders. Led by Brian Urlacher, who is coming off an injury filled 2009 season should once again be top notch. The Bears also brought in Mike Martz to help with the offense. Martz should help a bit with Jay Cutler's interception woes he had last season, Cutler's first with the Bears. But, all I can think of the Bears as is a mediocre team who really won't find traction in the season.
Prediction: 8-8
Minnesota Vikings
Brett Favre made his annual late trip to training camp with the help of some cajoling by some of his teammates. Favre also had his ankle surgically repaired after the NFC championship game against the Saints. That does not bode well for a 40 year old playing football. Favre will not have the same rate of success he had last year in a career year, but he'll still be really good. Nearly everyone is back from last year's squad as well, and they will be amazing again, just not quite 12-4 amazing.
Prediction: 11-5, number 5 seed.
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is one of the few quarterbacks to come out of Cal and be great. Rodgers will put up video game like numbers each week and help fantasy owners tremendously. He'll also help his own team out by leading them to a division crown. Ryan grant will continue to provide a solid running game to counteract the pass happy Packers. Then, the defense should also be in the top 10, a group led by A.J. Hawk and his aggressive style which contributes a lot of tackles.
Prediction: 12-4, number 2 seed.
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