2007 NFL Preview
AFC North Preview
By James Santelli

1. Baltimore Ravens (Projection: 12-4)

The boys of Charm City are the team to beat in the stacked North division. Four Pro Bowlers return from last year's No. 1 ranked defense. Losing Adalius Thomas, especially to New England, hurts. However, pass rushing won't be a problem with DEs Trevor Pryce and Terrell Suggs combining for 22.5 sacks last season. MLB Ray Lewis returns for his 12th year this year but is clearly on the decline, finishing 40th in the league in tackles in 2006. The secondary is as fierce as ever, with Pro Bowlers Chris McAlister and Ed Reed in their primes. The offense has more question marks, though. Steve McNair performed well as the starter last year, but he's 34 and certainly has had his fair share of injuries. 33-year-old Derrick Mason had only 68 catches last year, but WR Mark Clayton could take a big step in his third year, and Todd Heap is among the league's elite at tight end. New RB Willis McGahee missed two games last season, but could have a big year if he stays healthy behind a good but aging offensive line. With an aging roster, this could be Baltimore's last real shot at a Lombardi Trophy.

2. Cincinnati Bengals (Projection: 10-6)

The Bengals have come a long way from AFC Central laughingstock to perennial playoff contender, and there's a good chance the Bengals will be playing in January. The offense, which might be the best in the league outside of Indy, is led by Pro Bowler and superstar Carson Palmer, who is more than happy to be throwing to two 1,000 yard wide receivers in Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Rudi Johnson is a top-10 running back, but is running behind an average O-Line that will be tested early because of injuries to veteran tackles Levi Jones and Willie Anderson, and the loss of OG Eric Steinbach to the Browns. The pass rush is average, but DE Justin Smith put up 7.5 sacks last year and has played 95 straight regular season games. The signing of Ed Hartwell should help the middling linebacking corps, that is, if he can stay healthy after missing 19 of 32 games with Atlanta. The pass defense got lit up for more yards than any other in the AFC last year, and it's not expected to improve much, though first round pick Leon Hall should help. Cincinnati has the makings of a Super Bowl contender, but the hopes clearly rest on the offense putting a lot of points on the scoreboard.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (Projection: 9-7)

After losing some key pieces in the off-season, the Steelers may have to overcome more than a struggling pass offense to make the playoffs. Last year, the Steelers threw the third-most interceptions in the AFC, but Big Ben will most likely improve in that area in his fourth year. Willie Parker gives the Steelers a potential 1,500 yard rusher if he stays healthy (and that's a big if). However, he will be running behind a struggling offensive line that lost Pro Bowl center Jeff Hartings to retirement. Hines Ward is as consistent as ever, but on the decline. Santonio Holmes and Heath Miller are ready and able to become very good receivers for Roethlisberger. On the defensive side, losing Joey Porter certainly hurts, even at his old age. James Harrison is a solid performer but won't provide the same pass rush ability of Porter. Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, James Farrior and Troy Polamalu all provide Pro Bowl-caliber play. The cornerback situation is a concern, though, as both Bryant McFadden and Ike Taylor need to take some strides to reach their potential. Despite the question marks, the Steelers have a very good defense, but the offense will need to limit the sacks and interceptions to be a playoff team.

4. Cleveland Browns (Projection: 5-11)

The Browns have only made the playoffs once since returning to the NFL in 1999, and that is unlikely to change this year. The Browns are weak at quarterback, but 24-year-old Derek Anderson is the favorite, and first-rounder Brady Quinn likely won't see extensive playing time until November. New starting RB Jamal Lewis ran for 1,132 yards last year, but at only 3.6 yards per carry and reeks on injury history. WR Braylon Edwards improved over his 2005 totals last year, and will catch many passes along with TE Kellen Winslow. The offensive line gave up the 2nd most sacks in the AFC, but improves with free agent signing OG Eric Steinbach and No. 3 overall pick Joe Thomas. The defense is on the weaker side of the AFC. The line is old, but vets Orpheus Roye and Ted Washington provide consistent play. OLB Kamerion Wimbley is a star in the making after racking up 9 sacks in the last nine games of his rookie season, and will have to overcome likely missed time from OLB Willie McGinest. The secondary is solid, led by SS Sean Jones, who had 111 tackles and 5 INTs last season. Brady Quinn and Joe Thomas will be the cornerstones of the future, but Cleveland is not strong enough to make the playoffs this year.

James Santelli covers the AFC North for Pittsburgh Sports Report.