2014 NFL Preseason Picks: Cincinnati Bengals Win AFC North
The Cincinnati Bengals finally capitalized on the fall of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. As both dynasties age and rebuild, the Bengals got younger, more dynamic, and improved enough to dominate a division that once buried them. So, is this division transitioning away from its former powers, or will the Ravens and Steelers bounce back? Heck, even the Cleveland Browns made noise this offseason by bringing in Johnny Manziel. It should be a fun year for the AFC North.
1. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5): I think the Bengals are a few years away from Andy Dalton’s new contract destroying roster flexibility and making it very difficult for the Bengals to win. That said, right now, they’re in good shape. Gio Bernard is ready to explode, and Dalton’s connection with A.J. Green is undeniable. 305 points allowed was tops in the AFC last year. The Bengals should take the division again.
2. Baltimore Ravens (9-7): Maybe Ray Rice’s horrible season was a result of nagging injuries rather than a rapid decline in skills. That said, the Ravens dismantled their championship roster and felt the effects of those moves last year. They got old, paid Joe Flacco too much money, and stumbled. Baltimore will continue to be mediocre again in 2014.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-9): Once again, the Steelers lost a big name receiver and replaced him with another dynamic weapon. That said, the defense is still old, the offense is imbalanced, and the team lacks depth. I think the Steelers are going in the wrong direction.
4. Cleveland Browns (5-11): When your star wideout is suspended for the year and the most exciting player in your franchise is a backup quarterback, there’s not much hope. The Browns will stumble again, but this slow rebuilding effort may be taking shape at last.
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