2012 NFL Predictions: AFC North Division Vegas Odds, Free Picks and Projections: It was a pretty good year for the AFC North in 2011. Three of the four teams made the playoffs, and Baltimore came within a play or two of making it all the way to the Super Bowl. Some of the best defenses in the NFL reside in the division, along with plenty of rising stars on the offensive side of the ball, as well. The AFC North was without question the most-competitive and deepest division in the league last year, and it looks like it could be again this season. Here is a look at how the teams stack up for the 2012 NFL season.
2012 NFL Predictions: AFC North Division Vegas Odds, Picks and Projections
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (Prediction: 11-5)
With a reloaded offensive line and a healthy defense, the Steelers have the pieces in place to take back the division from the rival Ravens and make another deep playoff run. The additions of left tackle Mike Adams and guard David DeCastro to a line that already featured star center Maurkice Pouncey should give Ben Roethlisberger time to find his arsenal of speedy receivers for big plays. The bolstered line should also bring about a return of the power running game that was missing for Pittsburgh last season. Throw in a defense that allowed the fewest points in the NFL last year, and the Steelers are looking strong.
2. Baltimore Ravens (Prediction: 11-5)
You can’t knock the consistency that Baltimore has shown in recent years. The Ravens have reached the playoffs in four straight seasons, winning at least one game in all four postseason trips. The defense is getting a little long in the tooth, but there is more than enough young talent lining up alongside Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to keep this unit among the NFL’s elite. Offensively, Ray Rice remains one of the best running backs in the game, and receiver Torrey Smith introduced a new element to the attack thanks to his blazing speed. The X-factor is Joe Flacco. He has been rock solid since his rookie year, but he just hasn’t been able to get the Ravens over the hump. Flacco came within a dropped passed of putting his team in the Super Bowl last year, and he should have the Ravens competing for a division title and a championship again in 2012.
3. Cincinnati Bengals (Prediction: 9-7)
With a rookie quarterback and a rookie wide receiver leading the way, the Bengals managed to make the playoffs last season. The Andy Dalton to A.J. Green combination should only continue to improve in 2012 as the Bengals build one of the up-and-coming offensive attacks in the league. That being said, growing pains are inevitable for a young team, and injuries have already taken their toll. Guard Travelle Wharton is out for the year with a knee injury, and first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick is among the defensive players missing time in the preseason. Cincinnati has enough talent to compete for a playoff spot once again, but the Bengals are still at least a year away from taking over this loaded division.
4. Cleveland Browns (Prediction: 3-13)
In a division with three potential playoff teams, somebody has to be the doormat. Cleveland played the role last year and is likely in for a repeat performance in 2012. A miserable offense is the biggest issue facing the Browns, and while adding running back Trent Richardson to the mix gives the team a workhorse to build around, the passing game needs serious work. Fellow rookie Brandon Weeden will try to provide a counterpunch for Richardson, but without a lot of weapons to throw to, this offense still won’t be putting a lot of points on the board. The defense is actually an underrated unit, and the Browns allowed the fourth-fewest points last year. The defense is led by defensive tackles Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin, but even a solid group is going to get worn down when the offense isn’t on the field much. Cleveland has added some offensive firepower, but this franchise still has a long way to go to be competitive in one of football’s best divisions.
2012 AFC North Division Odds
9011 BAL Ravens +130
9012 CIN Bengals +430
9013 CLE Browns +2800
9014 PIT Steelers +125
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