Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
The first half of the schedule bodes well for an experienced Ravens team with games at Cincinnati and San Francisco as the most likely speed bumps. Steve McNair and Ray Lewis provide leadership on offense and defense, respectively. The loss of Adalius Thomas won’t affect a defensive system that has been successful for years with players coming and going and Willis McGahee is a speedy upgrade to Jamal Lewis in the running game. Brian Billick will ride his stout defense, consistent offense and speedy return game — sparked by rookie Yamon Figurs — to the Super Bowl.
Biggest addition: RB Willis McGahee
Biggest loss: LB Adalius Thomas
Circle your calendar: Dec. 3 vs. New England Patriots
Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
Chad Johnson’s fines won’t be the only numbers flying skyward for Cincinnati in 2007. Expect Marvin Lewis’s team to improve on its 8-8 record in 2006. After shaky play and a late season meltdown handicapped the Bengals in 2006, Cincinnati is on a mission to make the playoffs this year. Carson Palmer will put up MVP-type numbers, but the defense — though improved — will still leave “Ocho-Cinco” and his pals out of first place in the North. Rookie Leon Hall provides an option at corner to help slow down opposing offenses. The Bengals only play six games against 2006 playoff participants.
Biggest addition: CB Leon Hall
Biggest loss: G Eric Steinbach
Circle your calendar: Nov. 11 @ Baltimore Ravens
Cleveland Browns (7-9)
If Cleveland escapes its first four games with more than one win, this team will be on the rise and Romeo Crennel will save his job. Jamal Lewis and rookie tackle Joe Thomas give the Browns a respectable running threat that will aid either Charlie Frye or Brady Quinn at quarterback. Quinn may wait longer than most think to see his first start. Frye is a capable quarterback who will have his first chance to play alongside a mildly effective rushing attack. Kamerion Wimbley will build on an impressive rookie campaign in the continued improvement of Cleveland’s 3-4 defense.
Biggest addition: OT Joe Thomas
Biggest loss: OT Ryan Tucker
Circle your calendar: Nov. 11 @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-10)
New head coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t have enough tools in his shed to build a champion right now. After finishing at 8-8 last year, the Steelers have begun the rebuilding process and — gasp — will take over the AFC North’s cellar from Cleveland. Ben Roethlisberger will further prove that he was over-hyped in 2004 and 2005 by throwing far more interceptions than touchdowns. A defense without Joey Porter or a consistent offense will flounder in the dominant AFC. The Steelers have a better chance of stacking up shampoo endorsements — via Troy Palamalu — than wins in 2007.
Biggest addition: C Sean Mahan
Biggest loss: Head Coach Bill Cowher
Circle your calen dar: Nov. 26 vs. Miami Dolphins