AFC NORTH ?

I'll try to be as BIAS as possible when I say the Steelers for the following reasons:

1. The hash Browns flashed last year and look promissing this year but still haven't learned the winning culture that carries over from year to year, last year went to there head and they's a stretch to finish .500.

2. The Raven may surprise a little depending on how well Boller reacts to Flucko, they will have a boom or bust year and they're boom is equivelent to a .500 season.

3. The Bengals are the hardest one to put my fingure on because they have all the pieces in place for a good team but they just can't execute on potential. With all the character issues and the same problems as the Browns, they can't get that winning culture.

4. The Steelers had the number one defense last year and played terrible the last four games, expect big improvements in the defense with Woodley and Timmons getting increased playing time (Sacks). The offense is looking promising but don't expect huge imrovements, the rookies and offensive line may become effective by mid season if they can stay healthy. We have the winning culture and .500 would be underachieving, .750 would be on target and it's what I expect.

Can I call another Steelers fan a homer for this?..lol

I'll say Steelers But i think the Ravens gonna make things interesting...

Many of the specifics have already been described on this board, which is one of the reasons I love this group. Steelers Nation is filled with knowledgable fans. But here's the essence, at least as I see it. Pittsburgh has established a culture of winning that goes beyond any one season. They are dedicated to being competitive every year. And this year's team should be no different, even with a murderous schedule.

They have increased the playmaker talent on offense and remain one of the best defensive teams in the NFL, even with last year's late-season slide. A healthy Troy Polamalu will help a great deal there too!

The Ravens have a talented D, but an uncertain QB situation, which screams 8-8. The Bengals can't avoid off-the-field controversy. Their team chemistry is a joke. It's a talented group that seems to want to self-destruct. Another 8-8, maybe 9-7. No playoffs for you.

The Browns have made a lot of smart moves that have positioned them to be competitive but they've still got to climb the mountain and the first time is always the hardest. They're the biggest competition for the Steelers but while the Steelers are accustomed to being targeted by other teams, Cleveland went through most of last season under the radar. That won't happen this year. The Browns will have other teams' respect and attention, which means they'll also get their A games. Can they handle that for 16 weeks? I don't think so. 9-7.

Pittsburgh will win at least 10 games. Despite the tough competition, they don't face one opponent coming off a bye week, which is a big plus (I got that one from Mano a few weeks back).