As Santonio Holmes pulled down that catch above, it made the Steelers the winningest franchise in pro sports and with many of the same pieces back and a coach that just seems to get it done, is there any reason to doubt they'll be in position to do it again? Let's find out. This is a top-heavy division with two good teams and a couple stinkers that just don't get it.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
With Joe Flacco the Ravens seem to have found the quarterback that won't stand in the way of the defense winning games. He's not flashy, but he just gets the job done.
A key loss in the offseason was Rex Ryan who pulled Bart Scott with him to the Jets. I'm still thinking they have enough pieces on that defense and another guy will just seem to step in and contribute.
Now the quesiton of whether Willis McGahee can stay healthy and help this team will have to be answered this season.
Most important player: Derick Mason was Flacco's favorite receiver last year. He thought about retired, but arrived at camp (healthy) and ready to contribute. Could be a force with Joe in his second season. Might help the defense out for once.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals will be better this season as Carson Palmer is back to full strength and Chad (Johnson) Ochocinco is the only show in town at wide receiver with Chad "Howsyamamma" leaving for Seattle.
But ever since Carson's first big year where he led the team to the division title, something seems to come up that makes this team stumble. I don't know what it is, but I have a feeling something will trip this team up in a couple of games this year and keep them from being more than average.
This defense could be something of a sleeper this year with a lot of young guys, but that again would involve something resembling confidence in this team and as much as they've tried, they just can't shake their loser mentality.
Most important player: Chris Henry is done with all of his legal issues and will have to step up to be the No. 2 receiver he can be to Chad. Heck, he has the potential to be a No. 1 in terms of numbers while Ochocinco gets all the attention.
Cleveland Browns
OK, a Bill Bellichek deciple at coach and Patriots cast off at coach were let go, so lets bring in a former Belechek assistant (Eric Mangini) and a new GM with Pats ties (George Kokinis). The two actually roomed together back in the day, which was not a Sunday btw.
I see nothing on this team that yields multiple wins. Brady Quinn is not ready (part of which could be lack of weapons) and Jamal Lewis is on the way down.
Plus with a defense that can't compete with the offenses in ths division and the NFC North and AFC West which they draw this year, things could get out of hand.
Most important player: Jamal Lewis needs to have an amazing season to make things bright in Cleveland. Not so sure he's got any help.
Pittsburgh Steelers
There is no flash in Steel City. I finished my fantasy draft and no Steelers other than their defense was anywhere near the top of the list at any position. That doesn't much matter. Big Ben just gets it done and with a defense like Mike Tomlin has in place, that's just enough to get the Ws.
Even when you doubt this team, they seem to answer the bell. Ben has weapons to throw to. The key is just to keep him upright which the O-line needs to do a better job of.
Most important player: If Willy Parker can stay healthy throughout the year, this team will be very dangerous. And even if he doesn't make it through the regular season, if he's around for the playoffs, the AFC could run through the Big Ketchup Bottle.
OK, prediction time
Steelers 13-3 -- Everything comes together and the Steelers get the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Might have ring No. 7 on the way.
Ravens 11-5 -- A great year for Flacco on the way and Ray Ray has is boys in as a Wild Card.
Bengals 7-9 -- When losing is in your bloodline, it's a hard thing to shake
Browns 2-14 -- With the first pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select... (Tim Tebow?)
OK, Now that the AFC is done. Let's recap a bit, the playoff seeds. You have to wait until next Friday for the playoff predictions, but play with this for a bit.
AFC Playoffs
1. Steelers
2. Patriots
3. Chargers
4. Colts
5. Jaguars
6. Ravens
Here's a look back at each division we've done so far.
Sept. 1: AFC South
Sept 2: AFC West
Sept. 3: AFC East
Sept. 4: AFC North (Today)
Monday, Sept. 7: NFC South
Tuesday, Sept. 8: NFC West
Wednesday, Sept. 9: NFC East
Thursday, Sept. 10: NFC North
Friday, Sept. 11: Playoffs and Super Bowl XLIV picks
The Bears closed their preseason Thursday and much like Jay Cutler shown above, I couldn't much care. Just fill me in on who played well and who's getting cut and I'm OK. Just don't let anyone important get hurt. Uh oh, someone did? SHIT!
I'm pretty late tonight, so here's something to make up for it. Saw this video on my lunch break at Station 33 in the WB. Might be the funniest looking product I've seen in awhile. Why the hell would I buy this? Tell me you can't do this just by losing weight.
OK, now time for the Nussie Hunter. Did some searching today and the Lingerie Football League is getting set to debut in a couple weeks. Found this on Co-Ed Magazine where they list the Top 50 girls of the LFL to follow on Twitter. One of the hotties is Lindsey Svetis who will play for the Denver Dream. Amazing abs and ass!
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