A look at the other AFC North teams

The Cincinnati Bengals have not won the AFC North since 2009 when the team was able to sweep their opponents in the division. The Bengals have aspirations for much more than a division championship in 2013, but I'm sure one of Marvin Lewis' major goals is to secure a spot over Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Cleveland. The AFC North has consistently been the most physical and competitive divisions in football. The NFC West is the only other division that comes close in terms of the inter-division rivalries in the game today. The AFC North team that cleans up with wins against division foes this season will probably be looking at a favorable seed in the entire playoffs. The Bengals are the favorites to do so this year with a roster that looks destined to win 10-12 games this year.

The Steelers return in 2013 with a roster that is arguably improved from a squad that finished 8-8 in 2012. 8-8 is about as bad as it gets in Steeler land, so expect the Steelers to be more competitive than last year. I see the Steelers as the second best team in the division but fighting for the top spot in the end. The Steelers aren't as talented as the Bengals in many spots, but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has the opportunity to make this team special. A healthy Troy Polamalu could go a long way in returning Dick LeBeau's defense to the NFL's elite. The Steelers also added Jarvis Jones in the first round to pair with LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons. LeVeon Bell and LeRod Stephens-Howling add power and speed to a backfield that needed a reboot. Isaac Redmon and Jonathan Dwyer give the Steelers' running game true depth. The Steelers should be better in 2013, but it would take an MVP effort from Roethlisberger to unseat the Cincinnati Bengals as the favorites for the division.

Prediction: 10-6

The Baltimore Ravens are coming off of a Super Bowl victory as a picture perfect moment for retiring superstar Ray Lewis. Lewis is undoubtedly one of the greatest to ever play the game, and he will be missed as the leader of the Ravens' defense. To make matters worse for Baltimore, the team let go of safety Ed Reed, a free agent who easily would have returned to Baltimore if the Ravens offered him a fair contract. Reed is still the best safety in the league right now as he suits up for Houston in 2013. There is nobody else that can collect interceptions at the free safety spot like Reed. Baltimore also lost Anquan Boldin, Dannell Ellerbe, Paul Kruger, Bernard Pollard, Matt Birk and Cary Williams. These losses will severely hurt a team that was primed to compete every year with talented pieces throughout their roster. The Ravens now appear to be rebuilding with youth around the newly paid Joe Flacco, Terrell Suggs, and top running back Ray Rice. The Ravens will struggle with consistent play in 2013. They may win games with their offense and coaching strength of John Harbaugh alone, but to reach the playoffs will be a stretch for this team.

Prediction: 7-9

The Cleveland Browns are still one of the worst team's in the NFL despite an influx of new players and the start of the Rob Chudzinski era. Chudzinski and Norv Turner will attempt to help a Cleveland offense that has been relatively stagnant throughout the last couple of seasons. Cleveland has left something to be desired at the quarterback position, but Brandon Weeden, the thirty year old second year player, is about as good as the Browns have had in a while. There are some good skill players in Cleveland such as Trent Richardson, Josh Gordon, and Greg Little. The Browns also signed Paul Kruger and drafted Barkevious Mingo to provide pass rushing threats to the defense. The Browns could be an average team in a year or two, but starting over yet again will cause the Browns to struggle in 2013.

Prediction: 4-12

Rich Hidy 

Cincy Sports Spot