2008 AFC North Best/Worse Scenarios

Division Rivals Browns and Steelers to Battle for North Title

Sep 2, 2008 Derek J Griebenow

The Pittsburgh Steelers look to once again win the AFC North. The Cleveland Browns will try to pass them in the standings in 2008. Are the Browns for real?

The Browns are out to prove the 2007 mark of 10-6 was no fluke and are thinking playoffs in 2008. Cincinnati and Baltimore hope just to be able to contend with their division rivals.

The following is the best and worst case scenarios and division rankings for the AFC North division in 2008.

1) Pittsburgh Steelers

Best Case Scenarios

  • Running backs Willie Parker and rookie Rashard Mendenhall combine for an unstoppable rushing attack.
  • Big Ben continues to perform like an elite quarterback (32 touchdowns 11 interceptions in ‘07)
  • The offensive line doesn’t miss departed left guard Alan Faneca (Jets).
  • Rookie receiver Limas Sweed contributes and helps spread defenses.
  • The defense can remain one of the best units in the league ( number one overall in ‘07).

Worst Case Scenarios

  • The lack of a pass rush weakens blitzing scheme, allowing opposing receivers and tight ends to make plays.
  • Mendenhall doesn’t produce in goal line and short yardage situations as expected.
  • The offensive line loses cohesiveness with leader Faneca in New York.
  • Receiver Santonio Holmes can’t produce like in ‘07 ( 942 yards 8 touchdowns).

2008 Steelers Prediction

If the defense can put more pressure on the quarterback and remain dominant, the Steelers can win twelve games in 2008. Barring any significant injuries, look for the Steelers to hold off Cleveland and take the AFC North title.

2) Cleveland Browns

Best Case Scenarios

  • Tight end Kellen Winslow and receiver Braylon Edwards stay injury free and continue dominating defenses(21 touchdowns combined).
  • Quarterback Derek Anderson improves upon surprise 2007 Pro-Bowl season(3,787 yards, 29 touchdowns).
  • Running back Jamal Lewis remains rejuvenated by new team and repeats 2007 performance ( 1,304 yards 4.4 avg. 11 touchdowns).
  • Retooled defense improves on 2007 rank of 30th overall.
  • New defensive tackle Shaun Rogers dominates offensive lines in 3-4 defensive scheme (he played in a 4-3 in Detroit).

Worst Case Scenarios

  • Anderson flops in ‘08 and untested sophomore quarterback Brady Quinn has to step in and start.
  • Jamal Lewis’ aging legs don’t allow him to punish defenses anymore; or sustains injury.
  • Shaun Rogers decides to go back to his lazy days and doesn’t contribute effectively on defense.
  • The defensive line and linebackers underachieve allowing quarterbacks to attack suspect secondary.

2008 Browns Prediction

The Browns will give the Steelers a scare but overall will finish second and most likely secure a playoff spot in 2008. Quinn is a good young quarterback. If Anderson fails, Quinn should be alright. Lewis needs to run like he did in ’07 for Cleveland to be an elite team. There isn’t much on the depth chart behind him to speak of. Look for Cleveland to win ten to twelve games in ’08.

3) Baltimore Ravens

Best Case Scenarios

  • Defense and rushing attack can lead team like it did in 2001 when they won the Superbowl.
  • Joe Flacco is the next Joe Montana.
  • Second year left tackle Jared Gaither helps fans forget about retired Jonathan Ogden.
  • Receiver Mark Clayton finally steps up and performs at an NFL level.
  • Willis McGahee becomes teams second 2,000 yard back ( Jamal Lewis).

Worst Case Scenarios

  • Joe Flacco is not Joe Montana.
  • Aging defense finally breaks down.
  • Mark Clayton continues to play like…Mark Clayton.
  • Quarterback has no time to throw due to break down in protection on his blind side (left tackle).

2008 Ravens Prediction

If the Ravens can get mistake free play at quarterback they could end up 8-8 (5-11 in ‘07); a vast improvement for a team with a new head coach. Playoffs just out of reach though; which is bad seeing defense is getting older and older.

4) Cincinnati Bengals

Best Case Scenarios

  • They find a running back that can stay healthy and contribute.
  • The defense can attack the quarterback with new defensive end Antwan Odom.
  • Outside linebackers Rashad Jeanty and rookie Keith Rivers can provide solid run defense.
  • Re-signed receiver Chris Henry can be trouble free and be an asset in the passing game…again.

Worst Case Scenarios

  • Receivers Chad Johnson (shoulder) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring) injuries linger all year and reduce production.
  • Can’t find anyone to run the ball on offense.
  • Defense continues to struggle. Seems to be a problem every season.

2008 Bengals Prediction

With the defense always seeming to be the teams weakness, look for the same in 2008. The Bengals won seven games in ‘07 and will be lucky to reach that many again. Look for Chad Johnson (Ocho Cinco) to start complaining again sometime around weeks five or six. The Bengals win four, maybe five games, if that.

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