The AFC North is the “Bell Curve” Division thanks to it’s bell-like distribution of Predicted Wins. The Ravens are the “A Students”, the Bengals and Steelers represent the “C Students”, while the Browns represent those students that just skip class entirely, and earn the “F”. The Ravens have a great shot to be Super Bowl contenders when all is said and done. The Bengals could also surprise this year, but don’t get your hopes up.
1. Baltimore Ravens
Projected Record: 12-4
Fantasy Sleeper: Joe Flacco – QB
Cliff Notes: Joe Flacco could be in for a monster year, or at least worthy of Top 5 QB consideration. Flacco has a couple new toys to play with, Boldin and Housh, which will make running the offense all that much easier. That’s all well and great, but what it really boils down to for the Ravens is Defense. The news on Ed Reed is looking positive, as he does not want to go on the PUP list for six weeks. Most likely we will see Reed sit out a 2-4 games and then return to help the Ravens run shop against the rest of the Division.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
Projected Record: 8-8
Fantasy Sleeper: Bernard Scott – RB
Cliff Notes: The Bengals have a lot of focus, and well-deserved, on their offense now that TO and Ochocinco have united. It’s really going to surprise some people when they realize the Bengals also have a Top 10 Defense. If Carson Palmer can return to old form, then look out, as this took could bust out 10+ wins.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Projected Record: 8-8
Fantasy Sleeper: Jonathan Dwyer – RB
Cliff Notes: The Steelers may be without their main play caller for four games, but their defense gets Troy Polamalu back this year. I think the Steelers would take that trade-off any day of the week. However, they will still have to deal with the gray cloud known as Rapelisburger the whole year. I think this team wins 11 games if everything goes right and 7 games if the wheels fall off. My most likely scenario has them somewhere near the wheels falling off side with 8 wins.
4. Cleveland Browns
Projected Record: 4-12
Fantasy Sleeper: Josh Cribbs – WR
Cliff Notes: The Browns are a fantasy cesspool where good players go to die. They get the honors of playing in a division with three Top 10 Defenses. That means there will be at least six games this year where you don’t feel comfortable playing any of your Browns players. Okay, let’s be realistic, that is every game for the Browns.
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