Every second, we are getting closer to the start of the NFL season. (Hooray!) This week, we will look at each division, and see the best and worst the NFL has to offer.  We will also see what FanIQ thinks will happen in each division.

Today, we look at the tougher conference, the AFC, and one of its tougher divisions.  Many feel that the AFC North will have two playoff representatives this year.  Last year, the defensively dominant Ravens won this division with 13 wins.  The Bengals and Steelers, both playoff teams the year before, ended up winning 8.  And the Browns...were the Browns, winning only 4.

Schedule: NFC West, AFC East

Cleveland Browns

Last year the Browns stunk as usual, but is there hope?  They made a big effort to improve the offensive line, drafting Joe Thomas and signing Eric Steinbach, but the line still does have its holes elsewhere.  They really lack a running game, Jamal Lewis is average at very best, and they don't have much else.  Edwards has yet to prove that he is a legit #1 threat, and they have very little at QB as well.  Defense is their biggest problem, as the d-line is weak minus Ted Washington.  They have average linebackers, and a not-so-good secondary.  I think the offense could eventually be solid, but for right now, I think we'll see another bad Browns year.  You think the same.

My Prediction: 3-13

FanIQ Says: 4-12

Pittsburgh Steelers

Last year, the Steelers offense had its issues.  The offensive line is inconsistent, and can be good, but can also be pretty bad.  Parker is a pretty good running back, and they need to get back to running.  Ward is solid, but they lack a legit #2 guy. Roethlesberger is alright.  Defensively, they have a solid line, and solid linebackers.  The biggest problem is the secondary, especially the corners, which they are lacking big time.  They do play a very tough schedule, with the uncommon games being Jacksonville and Denver.  I think the Steelers are going to be just at the .500 level this season, while you think they'll be in the playoff running.

My Prediction: 8-8
FanIQ Says: 11-5

Cincinnati Bengals

Offensively, it is hard to argue against the Bengals.  They have a pretty good offensive line, a very good and under-rated halfback, fantastic receivers, and a great QB.  However, the injury bug is a concern, as both tackles Levi Jones and Willie Anderson are fighting injuries.  The last thing they need is to have this line fall apart.  Defensively, they aren't quite as good.  The defensive line is decent at best, the linebackers are average, and the secondary still has some holes.  They will need newcomers Ed Hartwell and Leon Hall to step up for this defense and make some plays.  They luck out scheduling wise, the uncommons being Tennessee and Kansas City, both winnable games, not to mention being at home at most of their toughest opponents.  I think they'll be in the playoff running, and you think they'll be lock playoff team.

My Prediction: 10-6
FanIQ Says: 13-3

Baltimore Ravens

There is no denying that the Ravens D was great last year, and was really the reason they won, because the offense was average.  They still have an average offensive line.  Although they got Willis McGahee, I don't think he'll do too much better than Jamal Lewis. (Although ANYONE not named Rhodes or Barlow is a step up from Jamal)  They still are pretty average at receiver, so don't expect anything special from the passing game.  McNair's not spectacular, but he isn't going to make many mistakes.  On D, the defensive line is very good, the linebackers are pretty good, and the secondary is very good.  Scoring on Baltimore will be really tough again.  They lucked out that all of their hardest games other than San Diego are at home.  I think that D wins them this division, you think they are only in the wild card running.

My Prediction: 13-3

FanIQ Says: 11-5

So let's go through it again.

My Prediction

Baltimore 13-3

Cincinnati 10-6

Pittsburgh 8-8

Cleveland 3-13

FanIQ Says:

Cincinnati 13-3

Baltimore 11-5

Pittsburgh 11-5

Cleveland 3-13

Wow, if what you say is true, the AFC North will be the toughest division in NFL history this year.  Three 11 win teams?  Might be a bit of a stretch.  Lofty expectations for the Bengals.

Up next, we will take a look at the AFC South