NFL: AFC North Division Preview

Part 6 of our look around the divisions of the NFL Next up is the AFC North - Home to the Super Bowl champion Steelers. Can they repeat?

1. NFC East
2. NFC North
3. NFC South
4. NFC West
5. AFC East

Division Overview: Going a combined 34/30 last season the AFC North featured a pair of 6/10 teams and a pair of 11/5 teams. It also featured the Super Bowl Champions, and saw the Cincinnati Bengals make the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade.


Baltimore Ravens

• 2005 Record: 6/10 (Forth Place)
• Click Here for Roster & Depth Chart
  
• Key Question: How much are the Ravens improved with Steve McNaire at Quarterback?
  
• Team Strength: Quality on both sides of the ball. The Ravens have stud players at some key positions all over the field.
  
• Team Weakness: The AFC North may be the toughest division in the conference. Steve McNaire needs to stay healthy for Baltimore to have much of a chance.
  
• Outlook: The Ravens will improve from last season and could contend for a wildcard birth. A division title is a long shot but not impossible as they have the talent.

Cincinnati Bengals

• 2005 Record: 11/5 (first place)
• Click Here for Roster & Depth Chart
  
• Key Question: Can Carsoon Palmer fully recover from his season ending knee injury? Can the team stay out of prison every week or will they be doing work release?
  
• Team Strength: The Wide Receivig group is very good and they are young at other key positions including running back and Quarterback.
  
• Team Weakness: There are a number of guys on this team with character issues, this could be a fun year.
  
• Outlook: The Bengals still have enough talent to contend and go far into the playoffs. The Ravens are tougher and the Steelers are still a force. They could finish anywhere from first to third in this division and I would not be surprised.

Cleveland Browns

• 2005 Record: 6/10 (Third Place)
• Click Here for Roster & Depth Chart
  
• Key Question: How will Charlie Frye do as unquestioned starter? Can Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards stay healthy?
  
• Team Strength: The Browns seem to be another team on the verge of figuring things out. They've got some skill players but need to keep them healthy.
  
• Team Weakness: There is a gap at center with their top 2 being out for the year and a third retiring. A trade with the Eagles was intended to fill that void. Charlie Frye is still inexperienced and so is a question mark to me.
  
• Outlook: I don't see any way for the Browns to finish above forth in this division this season. They'll turn things around soon though as long as they are patient.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• 2005 Record: 11/5 (Second Place)
• Click Here for Roster & Depth Chart
  
• Key Question: Do the Steelers have enough to repeat?
  
• Team Strength: They're the Super Bowl Champions, pretty good on both sides of the ball and they have good depth.
  
• Team Weakness: Not much, keep an eye on Roethlisberger's health.
  
• Outlook: Only a few losses from last year's championship team make it hard to pick against them.

Projected Finish:

1. Steelers
2. Ravens (Wildcard)
3. Bengals
4. Browns