Geoff JohnsonThe Baltimore Ravens have won the NFC North title over the last two seasons, and the Super Bowl last year, but their dominance could be in jeopardy for the 2013 season.
The Ravens lost Anquan Boldin as a wide receiver, Dennis Pitta as a tight end, and three great defenders in Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard. They gave Joe Flacco a huge contract but also put lots of pressure on him to keep as the highest level.
Joe Flacco doesn’t mind missing Ray Lewis; at least he won’t miss his speeches. “I love Ray, and I love how he always spoke from the heart, but if you listened to those speeches, a lot of them didn’t even make sense. He meant everything he was saying, but I didn’t know what he was talking about 90 percent of the time.”
The Ravens biggest challenge might not be the Steelers like every other year. This time is about the Bengals.
Cincinnati has been in the playoffs over the last two seasons with Andy Dalton leading the way, but they couldn’t win any of the two matchups against the Texans.
The Bengals offense with be a two tight end set like New England’s, plus arguably one of the two best receivers in the NFL, AJ Green.
Their defense is nasty good. They were the second best at pressuring the quarterback in 2012, and they could be just as good this season.
The Cleveland Browns will be better than most people expect, but they one of two years away from actually fighting for the division title.
Odds To Win AFC North
Baltimore Ravens 2/1
Cincinnati Bengals 2/1
Cleveland Browns 7/1
Pittsburgh Steelers 7/4
NFL Predictions: Take Bengals. Yes, the Bengals.
