Sep 6, 2014 4 min read

It wasn’t that long ago that the AFC North was one of the best divisions in the NFL. The Steelers had been to three Super Bowls in six years, winning two, the Baltimore Ravens were a perennial contender for the AFC championship and won a Super Bowl in 2012, and Cincinnati was one of the league’s young and improving teams.

Heading into this season, however, none of the AFC North’s Big 3 is considered a top contender to win the AFC. The mantle of favorite belongs in Denver or New England.

Given the talent levels of the Steelers, Ravens and Bengals, it wouldn’t be surprising to see all three in the AFC playoffs at the end of the regular season.

The Steelers look like an improved team following back-to-back 8-8 seasons, Baltimore seems to have stabilized after dumping several of the veterans that helped it win its second Super Bowl title, and Cincinnati has most of the same players in place on a team that has earned a spot in the postseason in each of the last three years.

So which of the three will come out on top this season? The pick here is the Steelers.

Pittsburgh seems to have found its stride with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and its no-huddle offense. The Steelers averaged nearly 28 points per game while going 6-2 in the second half last season, when the no-huddle was used extensively. It was a point total that would have ranked second only to Denver had the Steelers done it all season.

The young defense will take some time to gel. But considering the Steelers face a number of popgun offenses in the first half of the season, the defense will have a chance to work out problems before it gets into the meat of the schedule.

That be the difference between the Steelers, Bengals and Ravens.

The Steelers face their toughest non-divisional opponents – Indianapolis, New Orleans and Kansas City – at home, where they should be able to take at least two of the three games. Cincinnati must travel to New England, Indianapolis and New Orleans, and hosts Denver. Baltimore, meanwhile, faces its most difficult non-division opponents in New Orleans and Indianapolis on the road.

The Bengals are still the best team in the division on paper, but the more difficult schedule will add up to a 9-7 record. That won’t be enough to catch the Steelers and Ravens, who should both finish 10-6.

The other division winners in the conference will be New England in the East, Indianapolis in the South and Denver in the West.

In the NFC, the division winners will be Philadelphia in the NFC East, New Orleans in the NFC South, Detroit in the NFC North and Seattle in the NFC West.

That will set up a Philadelphia vs. Denver Super Bowl.

The Steelers’ drive to return to the playoffs will begin today at Heinz Field against Cleveland, a game in which Pittsburgh is favored by 7 points.

Take the Steelers, 27-13

The Falcons will be better this season, but the Saints should be the class of the division.

Take New Orleans, 31-27

The Jaguars can’t keep up with the Eagles’ fast-paced attack.

Take Philadelphia, 34-13

When Matt Cassel is the most talented quarterback in this game, you know it’s a doozy.

Take Minnesota, 17-10

Both teams have made plenty of changes but the Jets should be better.

Take the Jets, 20-13

The Colts should hang with the Broncos in a high-scoring affair.

Take Indianapolis to cover in a 34-30 loss

The Bengals are 1-7 in AFC North road games when Andy Dalton starts and plays all four quarters.

Take Baltimore, 23-20

The Bears were atrocious against the run last season. The Bills run it as well as anyone.

Take Buffalo to cover in a 24-20 loss

Houston’s quarterback situation is a mess.

Take Washington, 24-16

The Titans will contend for a playoff spot this season.

Take Tennessee, 20-17

The Patriots get out of the gate fast.

Take New England, 31-14

The Panthers are going to fall off this season.

Take Tampa Bay, 23-17

The Cowboys will keep this close at home.

Take Dallas to cover in a 27-24 loss

I like the Lions offense this season.

Take Detroit, 34-28

The Cardinals could challenge Seattle in the NFC West.

Take Arizona, 26-19

F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.