The AFC North is tightening up, Bengals and Ravens look like pretenders.

Journeyman · Oct 15, 2006

With back to back losses after winning a couple close games the Ravens are proving once again they are what they always have been, a very good defense with very little offense, they cannot run the ball and eventually their vaunted defense gets tired and is exploited.

Heading SOUTH in a hurry! :icon_conf

The Bengals , losers of two straight , getting clobbered by New England at home the Bengals don't looks so hot after the 4-0 start, reemember they were very fortunate to win the Steelers game and beat up a KC game that just lost their QB.
Heading SOUTH :icon_conf

The AFC North is once again wide open if the Steelers win today, the fork has been removed, they've had a toiugh schedule and it doesn't get much easier but all things considered with a win today the Steelers can't be too upset with their prospects to get back in the hunt.
Steelers are on the move :howdy:

SkinsRaj28 · Oct 15, 2006

I wouldn't be too quick to write off the Ravens...yes, their offense isn't nearly as good as people thought it'd be with McNair, but the D is still good...and they've played some very, very good teams. San Diego, Denver, and Carolina in consecutive weeks isn't fun.

Bengals needed to win this one as their schedule gets a lot tougher in upcoming weeks. That's one banged up team, though.

Journeyman · Oct 15, 2006

The Ravens still cannot run the ball when they really need to...Rolle was completely torched in the secondary, the defense got tired, as we've seen in years past...

Jamal Lewis was a very valuable asset for the Ravens defense , when he was running for all those yards, two years ago and back, that defense was resting, now not the case...McNair status for next week unknown at this time.

Bengals have all kinds of injury problems.

Ironically none of these three teams can run the ball right now #20, #22, and #24 in the league in rushing.

hawkeye171 · Oct 15, 2006

You had to figure, Tampa Bay plays a good game today. I live near Tampa and the defense has been getting lit up all week on talk radio, newspapers and on t.v. Cinncy is still the team to beat in their division, IMO. And remember, Baltimore played much the game without McNair.

Matt24 · Oct 15, 2006

I'd say the Bengals will be at the low point this week and next week. Then everyone starts coming back. Chris Perry comes back next week(he had 55 or so catches last year and averaged 4.6 yards per carry on the ground) and Chris Henry is back in 2 weeks. Plus C Rich Braham will be back soon. The offense these last 2 games just was not there, playcalling has been way too conservative. I hope to see a more opened up playbook when Perry/Henry get back on the field.

bunyon · Oct 15, 2006

The Bengals are yet to get healthy or play their best football (not to mention a brutal schedule). Despite this they are only 1/2 game out. This division will be decided in the heads up games the Bengals, Steelers and Ravens play against each other.

Dante · Oct 15, 2006

Cubsmac · Oct 15, 2006

Browns are gonna sneak up and take the division.

Livinthedream · Oct 16, 2006

Steelers will take the division.Bengals D is a joke.Their O line can not get it together this year.Their schedule is tough. Baltimore will lose two to the Steelers putting an end to their wet dream about winning a division. Steelers are not a dominant team this year but will win the division.:toast:

bill2266 · Oct 16, 2006

all i have to say here we go steelers here we go

Journeyman · Oct 16, 2006

Ya just knew the Steelers Nation would be beating their chests once again after sunday....The real AFC power this season is out west, Denver and San Diego.

BOL Steelheads.

MadCapper · Oct 16, 2006

I still think the Bengals will get it together.

Journeyman · Oct 16, 2006

All three teams need to find a consistent running game...I would rank the Bengals the best of the three, they have the best Qb by far of the 3 teams.

MrCleo · Oct 16, 2006

their all pretty even, Bengals have lookd terrible last 2 weeks and got serious injuries

Matt24 · Oct 16, 2006

Bengals have now lost LT Levi Jones for a while. The line issues get worse.

The_Man · Oct 16, 2006

Rolle weak link on otherwise stout Baltimore defense. They should have signed Demps as Rolle has been getting outright torched all year long.

Chad Johnson having a quiet quiet year. Seems like Cincy can't stay out out legal troubles and injury has taken toll also.

Pitt for some reason just doesnt look the same without Bettis and Randle El and Van Olhafeen. Sure they scored 40+ at home vs a weak KC D, but they just dont seem like a strong threat right now.

Would have to go with Baltimore out of the three choices and keep an eye on the situation as it pans out as the nfl is whacky stuff and weird things happen in this league.

Dante · Oct 16, 2006

that "WEAK KC D" was ranked 4th going into the weekend..what are you talking about the man?

The_Man · Oct 16, 2006

yeah youre right kc is one of the best defense in nfl currently. things change on a daily and weekly basis so dont be surprised to see oakland run off a streak of winners and moonwalk into the playoffs.

WCBias · Oct 16, 2006

It is amazing how much hype Baltimore has gotten this year. McNair is nothing special....nowhere near the version we saw 6 years ago. They will not make the playoffs.

bunyon · Oct 22, 2006

What a difference a week makes. Bengals 4-2 tied with B'more and getting healthy. Pittsburgh loses a tough one to the Falcons and are 2 games back again. Maybe the predicted demise of the Bengals was a bit premature.