The 3rd Nipple: AFC North

The AFC North has to play the AFC South and the NFC East this year. What does that small statement say? Well in the words of all of the coaches, "Oh shit." It can easily be argued that the AFC North, AFC South, and NFC East are three of the toughest divisions in football. All of them are capable of easily putting two teams into the playoffs, and in some cases three.

So what does all of that gibberish mean? There are going to be some depressed teams in these three divisions. The team that's going to be ok with the ups and downs, ok with being 5-5 after ten games, is going to end up winning this division. This is more a question of emotional stability than talent.

1) Pittsburgh Steelers -

The Steelers are still the team to beat. It's incredibly close, but they are still the team to beat. What's the reason? Emotional stability. The Steelers franchise has as much talent as any team in this division, but they have the confidence that no other team has.

The biggest question this team has is the line. Faneca going to the Jets was a HUGE loss for the Steelers, why they didn't put a franchise tag on him is beyond my comprehension. However, adding Mendenhall gives them a big, make that very big, back to make up for Willie's statistically weak 2 TD's last year. Along with that, Santonio Holmes is poised for a breakout season, (grab him in your fantasy leagues) leading the league in YPC last season with 18.2. If he gets a few more balls a game this season, watch out.

Big ? : Physical Play: The Steelers biggest loss this season was the Browns biggest focus this year. They lost a lot of weight up front and they might actually need Casey "Big Snack" Hampton (On PUP for being fat) to give them that physical prowess back. If they struggle in controlling the line against anyone, could be HUGE problems.

2) Cleveland Browns -

I know everyone thinks "THIS IS THE YEAR" in C-Town, it's going to be tough. The beginning of the season is going to be SO important for this team. The first two games are at home but they are against two tough teams in Dallas and Pittsburgh. If they come out of those first two games 2-0 they are winning the division, 1-1 who knows, 0-2 they are finishing third in the division. Why? EMOTION.

This team had a great year last year, no one can deny that. If they lose their first two games they are going to start doubting themselves. Then a fragile team wanders into a game in Baltimore that is way more tough than people believe (Lost to NE by three at the whistle, Cleveland by three late and beat Pittsburgh). Watch out, this could be a roller coaster.

3) Cincinnati Bengals -

Once again, emotion plays a huge roll in this teams record. The Bengals could find themselves in unfamiliar territory after four games, 3-1. Which could put them at the top of the division. Then they play Dallas with Chris Henry back from suspension, makes for an interesting game 5. The big thing with this team has never been talent, it has always been living up to the hype. Oh, and keeping up with all of the points that their defense gives up. Sky's the limit Cinci...prove me wrong.

Big ? : Defense - Hold it together to around 20 points a game and you, my friends, are going to the playoffs.

4) Baltimore Ravens -

Their defense is getting older, their starting QB is Troy Smith and Willis McGahee just had "cleanup," surgery on this knee...