AFC North Predictions
Written July 28, 2008 by Jason Lowry
We are fast approaching another exciting NFL season, and Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 AFC North division predictions. Last year the Steelers and the Browns both finished the season tied on top the division at 10-6, but the Browns ended up being the odd man out and wound up just missing the playoffs. The Bengals couldn’t put anything together as the team struggled to come together, and the Ravens couldn’t find an answer at quarterback, while the defense looked to begin to show its age. With a new season right around the corner lets take a look at how we see the North playing out this season.
1) Cleveland Browns
The Browns were the surprise team last year, as they put together one of the best offenses in the league last year. The question still remains when Brady Quinn will step into the picture, but for now Derek Anderson has proven he can get the job done. Adding to the weapons on offense this year is wide receiver Donte Stallworth, while guys like DE Coery Williams and DT Shaun Rogers come over to help improve the defense. We look for a 11 win season and the top spot in this division from the guys in orange and brown.
Browns +160 odds to win AFC North at Sportsbook.com
2) Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers started strong out of the gates last year, and it was good enough to get them into the playoffs, but they really struggled down the stretch going just 3-4 to finish the season. The team added most of its new faces this season in the draft when they landed running back Rashard Mendenhall and wide receiver Limas Sweed. The team did add center Justin Hartwig, but they also have to deal with the loss of Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca. We think that Big Ben and the Steelers will have what it takes to compete with the Browns again this season, and likely enough to get into the playoffs as a wild card team.
Steelers EVEN odds to win the AFC North at Sportsbook.com
3) Cincinnati Bengals
Its hard to figure out the Bengals, as they are stocked with talent on the offensive side of things, but they just can’t seem to keep everyone happy. Chad Johnson is threatening to sit the season out if he is not traded and the defense is still weak at many positions. They get some help with the additions of defensive end Antwan Odom and highly drafted linebacker Keith Rivers, but the Bengals need Chad Johnson to play or this team may fall even more in 2008.
Bengals +450 odds to win AFC North at Sportsbook.com
4) Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens still have a question as to just who is going to end up the starting quarterback, right now its a 3 way battle between veteran Kyle Boller, former Heisman winner Troy Smith, and first round draft choice Joe Flacco. The team still lacks a real playmaker at receiver, and will likely count on tight end Todd Heap to have a huge year as the go to guy. The defense is older but should still be good enough to keep them in games. We think the Ravens get better, but not good enough to top the other 3 teams in the North
Ravens +600 odds to win the AFC North at Sportsbook.com
Check out our Super Bowl predictions, and see if we think any teams in the AFC North has a shot at winning it all. Also check out our complete overview of the entire NFL this season, and if you need a great place to get going for upcoming football betting season, head over to Sportsbook.com today. Plus see what others are saying about the AFC North predictions.
