Rank the AFC North for 2011

[Goodfrom55]

Steelers: 13-3
Ravens: 10-6
Brown: 7-9
Bengals: 4-12

[steelersbabex25]

That's false. The cardinals, packers, falcons, jets, and chiefs all have done it in recent history to name a few. Every season there is a surprise team in the NFL that no one talked about heading into the season. I'm not guaranteeing the brownies will do it but I can see it coming. Also, its too easy to just pick Steelers, ravens, browns, bengals. I'm trying to get creative and I think it as much a reflection on the ravens going the wrong way as it is the browns improving, IMO

What do you mean you're trying to get creative? It's not up to you what team comes in first, second, third, and fourth place. The reason it's too easy is because that is what's going to happen.

[STEELyourface]

What do you mean you're trying to get creative? It's not up to you what team comes in first, second, third, and fourth place. The reason it's too easy is because that is what's going to happen.

Um, exactly what I said, I'm getting creative with my pick. I don't think the ravens are going to have a great year so I decided to go with the browns ahead of them, thought it was pretty self explanatory. On average about half the teams that make the playoffs don't do so in the following season. That change over has to come from somewhere and I see the Ravens as one of those teams.

I'm not sure what point you're trying to make by saying it isn't up to me. Obviously I have nothing to do with who finishes where in the division, nor do I recall ever making such a statement.

At the end of the season if I'm wrong, I'll be the FIRST person to call myself stupid for predicting that but I have the right to make that prediction same as you have the right to yours. I stated in several posts I wasn't super confident about it but was gonna take a chance. The brownies are getting better and that is the way I see it. I also provided several examples of teams that turned it around quite quickly so it wouldn't be unheard of.

--- Added 9/1/2011 at 05:44 PM ---

I don't buy into all the media hype about Colt McCoy. He appears to be a hard nosed player, but I still don't think he makes a good NFL QB.

Steelers, Ravens, Browns, Bengals

Is there a bunch of media hype? I'm not saying you are wrong, that is an honest question. I hadn't noticed. I did hear people talking about how he worked out with Favre in the off season and thought it was funny that some people assumed that means he's good now. I do think he's gonna be good (not great) just a decent NFL starter.

I agree, I dont think he has the arm strength for the NFL. Either way I think more often than not when he throws a 20 yard out it goes for six the other way

I can see him being a similar style QB to Chad Pennington. Pennington was pretty good (not amazing) and just couldn't stay healthy. I think smart QBs can make their game work in the NFL without having the strongest arm. Peyton Manning doesn't have a super strong arm. I am NOT comparing McCoy to Manning, NOT AT ALL, I was just giving an example . That was definitely the knock on McCoy though coming out of college and probably the main reason he dropped to where he did in the draft.

I do think he'll have a decent career but even as I say that I could just as easily see it not working out. The line between success and failure in the NFL is so razor thin it is tough to give a definitive answer at this point.

[connecticutsteel]

I like the browns to finish ahead of the Ravens because i think the ravens gave up too many veterans

[STEELyourface]

I like the browns to finish ahead of the Ravens because i think the ravens gave up too many veterans

I think that is going to be a contributing factor in why they have a decline this season for sure. I knew I couldn't be alone in thinking the brownies would take second in our division. A couple people have agreed with me but more have acted like it was the dumbest thing they've ever heard. It is certainly a possibility.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

If the Browns and Ravens is always a tough game. Both cities hate each other, the teams don't like each other. They are basically one in the same, which makes it a game where they beat the hell out of each other. If the Browns can get some momentum there's no reason they can't steal one from the Ravens.

[steeldoc]

I'm taking the brown's second. Flacco is playing like a growth retarded Vinny Testaverde look alike. They dropped both Mason and Heap who played well against the steelers. My son's HS offense is more sophisticated than the ravens.

[BlitzburghRockCity]

We'll find out soon enough how the AFC North will shake out, starting this weekend. The winner this weekend by no means determines the overall divisional winner but they'll certainly have an advantage being the chasee instead of the chaser in the race early.

Those game against the Browns late in year are going to be so crucial, because nobody ever runs away with the division in the AFC North. If I remember right, both Baltimore and Pittsburgh finished with identical records the last 2 seasons. Wouldn't surprise me one bit to be similar circumstances in 2011.

[Ibleedblk&gld]

We'll see. I think you forget that they were very competitive in the second half of the season last year. Don't underestimate the effect Holmgren can have on a franchise, dude knows how to rebuild.

Steelers- 11-5 Div 5-1
browns- 9-7 Div 3-3
ravens- 7-9 Div 3-3
bengals- Who Cares

this...

[BlitzburghRockCity]

This is the first time the Browns fans have had any realistic hope of having an improved team with a future to look forward too. Holmgren will build them a good team, he'll find good players. He's used to coaching in a tough division with big time rivalries and knows the importance of winning those types of games.

They still aren't there yet but in the next fews the Browns could very well take over the Ravens spot as the 2nd team in this division.