2009 AFC North Predictions
August 29, 2009
In 2008 the AFC North was the home to the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, who won the division going 12-4. The Steelers weren’t the only team in the North that put together a solid season, as the Baltimore Ravens finished up the 2008 season going 11-5 and made it all the way to the AFC Championship game, before losing to the Steelers for the 3rd time in the same season. Both the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals put together subpar seasons, and both figure to be at the bottom of this division again in 2009. Here is a look at how I see the 2009 season playing out in the NFC North.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
The Steelers didn’t make a lot of offseason moves, and thats because this franchise is one of the best in the NFL at building from within. The Steelers will have to find ways to replace corner Bryant McFadden and linebacker Larry Foote. Replacing Foote should be no problem with Lawrence Timmons waiting in the wings, but finding someone to step into McFaddens shoes could be a little tougher. Either way the Steelers will have one of the top defenses again in 2009, and a very good quarterback to run the offense in Ben Roethlisberger. Look for the Steelers to put together another strong year as they defend their Super Bowl title. Bet the Steelers -250 to win the AFC North at Sportsbook.com.
2. Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
I don’t see many changes happening in 2009, as I look for the Ravens to be right there with the Steelers all season long, and could give them a run for their money if they find a way to come out on the winning side when the two teams meet up this season. Last year the Ravens lost three games to the Steelers by a combined 16 points. One thing to watch for is how the defense plays without defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, as Ryan went to New York to take over the head coaching job for the Jets. Bet the Ravens +275 to win the AFC North at Sportsbook.com.
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3. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
If their is going to be a team that challenges the top two, I have a pretty good feeling it will be the Bengals, but the only way that is happening is if quarterback Carson Palmer can stay healthy. The team let Pro Bowl receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh pack up and leave for Seattle, and that means they need the Chad Johnson of old to show up this season and return to one of the elite wide outs in the game. The defense should continue to get better, but without Palmer this team is lucky to win 5 games this season. Bet the Bengals +700 to win the AFC North at Sportsbook.com.
4. Cleveland Browns (3-13)
It’s hard to imagine that just two years ago the Browns were fighting for the division title, and finished the season with 10 wins, but those days seem long gone as the Browns look to rebuild under new head coach Eric Mangini. It looks as though Brady Quinn is going to win the quarterback job, but my concern for this team comes in the running game, as I don’t think there can be to much left in the tank of veteran running back Jamal Lewis. Either way this is not going to be a good football team this season. Bet the Browns +1400 to win the AFC North at Sportsbook.com.
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