The AFC North division doesn’t really need a preview, but let’s do it anyway.

Pittsburgh and Baltimore both have solid QB play, stellar defenses and tremendous head coaches. They have become two of the most consistent teams in the league. With the talent these teams possess the only real question is which one of the two will take down the division crown?

Pittsburgh secretly had a great season last year. After a rocky 2-2 start that saw them get blown out in Baltimore and shut down in Houston, Pittsburgh recovered to finish the season at 12-4. At season’s end the Steelers had lost games only against eventual division champs, although they dropped both division games to the Ravens. The Steelers were able to complete this turnaround in spite of poor turnover luck and the absence of their star QB for several games.

The Ravens on the other hand might have had their best team in years, capturing their first division title since 2006. The Ravens were able to grab the title by virtue of a season sweep over the Steelers. But there were several strange losses for the Ravens, too. They dropped games in Tennessee, Jacksonville, Seattle and San Diego. They were able to reach the AFC Championship game but fell just short of a Super Bowl appearance by narrowly losing to the Patriots in New England.

With little change to their rosters this season the division winner again should come down to head-to-head play. In this respect I again have to favour the Ravens. I don’t have any stats to back up this analysis per se, seeing as how these clubs have similar strengths and weaknesses, but I almost make sure to watch these mega matchups. For years the Steelers have had the edge in this match-up because of Ben Roethlisberger, but every time these teams play that seems to be their only advantage. The Ravens always dominate the line of scrimmage and completely lock down the Steelers run game. The complete burden of moving the offense falls on Big Ben’s shoulders. The Ravens on the other hand have success moving the ball up and down the field, but have trouble punching it in the end zone against a strong Steelers front seven and that #43 lurking at safety. With Flacco’s improved play in the face of the Steelers pass rush last season the Ravens have seemed to close the quarterback gap. Don’t be surprised if the Ravens continue last year’s dominance over the Steelers into this season.

The division’s two Ohio teams on the other hand don’t stand a chance. Cleveland’s woes are well documented and they hit the rest button again this season by drafting QB Brandon Weeden. Even if Weeden is an upgrade on last year’s starter Colt McCoy (I think he will be) the Browns have far too many holes on the roster to seriously challenge the Steelers or Ravens. Cincy on the other hand is coming off of a playoff season last year at 9-7. When you dig deeper though the reasons for their improved record are beyond just improved play. The Bengals failed to beat either Pittsburgh of the Ravens in four games and the only game they were able to win against a team with a winning record was against Tennessee, going 1-5 overall. The Bengals were able to compile a 3-1 record against both the AFC South and NFC West last season. This feat won’t be repeated in 2012 against the AFC West and NFC East. Expect sub .500 records from both teams this season.

You can find all my division previews by accessing my column, “3rd String NFL“.

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