Starting with the 6-2 Steelers
Week 10 - Browns
Week 11 - at Jets
Week 12 - Dolphins
Week 13 - Bengals
Week 14 - at Patriots
Week 15 - Jaguars
Week 16 - at Rams
Week 17 - at Ravens
That's a pretty easy 2nd have schedule for a 6-2 team, with practically guaranteed wins such as @ Jets, Dolphins, Bengals, and @ Rams. I say the Browns put up a fight this week but the Steelers come out with the win at home, and run away with the division. They will lose at Foxboro assuming the Pats are still playing full 60 minute games (and it doesn't look like they'll stop), they could lose to the Jags at home if Garrard is back in and the Jags are fighting for the playoffs. They also could lose at Ravens because the Ravens have a lot of pride to not play them tough at home, even if the season is lost.
In the end, I give the Steelers the AFC North Championship with a final record of 11-5 assuming they lose to (Pats, Jags, Ravens)
Now the 5-3 Browns
Week 10 - at Steelers
Week 11 - at Ravens
Week 12 - Texans
Week 13 - at Cardinals
Week 14 - at Jets
Week 15 - Bills
Week 16 - at Bengals
Week 17 - 49ers
This is a decently easy 2nd half for a surprising 5-3 Browns. Assuming they can beat the Ravens and Bengals again, along with the Cards, Jets, and 49ers at least, they can easily win an AFC wild card spot. I truly believe the Browns could beat the Steelers at this point in the season, I just don't know if they can do it in Heinz. These are not the week 1 Browns and the Steelers better not laugh them off because I have a feeling this intense rivalry will be rewarded with a great game this week.
If my Browns keep it up they and keep fighting hard they have the talent to beat any of these teams, but I think they will (obviously) lose a few. I have them pinned at 10-6, winning a wild card and fighting the Steelers for the division down to the last week.
On to the 4-4 Ravens
Week 10 - Bengals
Week 11 - Browns
Week 12 - at Chargers
Week 13 - Patriots
Week 14 - Colts
Week 15 - at Dolphins
Week 16 - at Seahawks
Week 17 - Steelers
These mediocre, offensively-inept Ravens have one bear of a second half schedule. Assuming they can beat the Bengals this time (I don't even know who deserved to win that terrible MNF game), and then the Dolphins and Seahawks, and I'll give them the Steelers at home cuz Ray Lewis was pissed, then they are a mediocre 8-8.
These Ravens are no where near last years 13-3 Ravens and with this tough 2nd half schedule will be lucky to finish with a winning record. I have them pinned at 8-8, which is earned by their aging, yet still powerful defense. If they don't do something good on the offense this offseason they will struggle next year as well.
2-6 Bengals? Any fans left? (sorry, I had to take that shot)
Week 10 - at Ravens
Week 11 - Cardinals
Week 12 - Titans
Week 13 - at Steelers
Week 14 - Rams
Week 15 - at 49ers
Week 16 - Browns
Week 17 - at Dolphins
It's hard to predict because I feel that they've underperformed all season long, but half-way through the season I can't keep thinking they're losing because of flukes, something happened to this team and I'm not sure anyone knows what.
They have an ok second half, they should win a few (Cards at home, Rams at home, at 49ers, and at Dolphins) but I don't see them winning any of these division games.
I have them pinned finishing off their disappointing season at 6-10, potentially with some big offseason overhauls ahead for them.
Final Standings
Steelers 11-5
Browns 10-6
Ravens 8-8
Bengals 6-10
That's how I see it playing out, obviously I won't be right because 8 weeks are a lot to predict but those are my thoughts. I didn't want to give the Steelers the division but I'm still psyched my Browns are in playoff talks in a year everyone those was a wash after the Charlie Frye start.
If you're an AFC North junkie like me then let's hear some thoughts...
Ariel Meredith
Anne V
NFL Cheerleaders: Week 11
NFL Fans: Week 11
Comments (7) Add A Comment
I like your projections alot and can see it playing out just like that. Bengals have so many issues we have all talked about before, but I have noticed a change in Coach Lewis as well. He comes across as timid now for some reason, not willing to take any chances and his players are walking all over him. I like whats going on with Cleveland and think that Derek Anderson is giving the team the confidence they need to play better as a whole.
Tracy00214-Is back!
Total Comments (32396)
Kevin, As a Steeler fan, I actually give your Browns a better chance to win this week against our boys than the Ravens at year end. Appreciate your objectiveness. Hate to admit it we Steeler fans in Seattle were really split over who to root for last week in Browns v Seahawks. Our DNA said to root against the Browns, but, the whiney/woosie Nawk fans and all of their excuses have gotten the best of us since the SB. As always when the pressure was on Seattle always delivers and folds and then limps back to Seattle with their tails between their legs.
bigmaq
Kirkland , WA
Total Comments (26)
If the field is sloppy at the Razor on Dec 9th, the high powered Pats offense will be equalized. We all saw Monday the Steelers can play in a mudder. Great blog but I see us going 13-3 with a loss to the Pats because even in my heart of hearts, i cant see us outscoring the Pats on a clean field because my stillers have shown they are very vulnerable on the road this year. Larry B, we will beat you if the weather is a factor.
Cassidy's House:…
Whatsittoya, NO
Total Comments (16281)
tracy - I definitely agree with Coach Lewis, and even though I don't like the Bengals it's been hard to watch their lack of competitiveness in general and especially in short yardage situations, they will really need to change that program in one way or another to get back on track.
bigmaq - I had to pick the Steelers this week because I'm a realist, but I'm also rationalizing with myself all the reasons that the Browns COULD beat the Steelers (ie: coming off physical monday night game, DA playing as a pro bowler, our defense giving up a ton of yards but making clutch stops week in and week out, etc...) but realistically I have to give the nod to the Steelers until my Browns prove me otherwise. I haven't had to root for the Steelers yet (thankfully, hah) but I have had to unfortunately root for other AFC north teams like the Ravens on monday (which broke my heart), just because if they won then we'd be even going into the Steelers this week with a chance to pull 1st in the division. And the only reason I gave the nod to the Ravens the last week is because they're home, will be upset/looking for vengeance, and the Steelers may have the division wrapped up with no shot of homefield in sight, in which case they may be tempted to rest some players, just my opinion though.
CLandBrowns
Solon , OH
Total Comments (31)
Your picks seem quite resonable. It would be nice to go to Pukesburgh and bring back a win. Its been 4 long years since the last one and the memory is starting to get cloudy. I do believe the Browns can win but they need to play a near perfect game to do it. Pittsburghs may win most of their games left but they could have a few surprises (like Denver). As for the bottom half of the AFC North, could the Bengals look any worse right now? Marvin Lewis has lost control. The Ravens monster D is more like a**** cat on the field. With that inept offense I don't see them winning 9 games. Especially with that remaining schedule.
Fear the Elf 46
Columbus , OH
Total Comments (11)
think you are right on...BoBo Brazil's boy here, and i am with you all the way. think the Steelers will win by a wisker this week, with the Brownies jumping out to a lead, and then being slowly ground down...hate to say it...
Forever Brown...
Forever Brown
Brevard , NC
Total Comments (1)
Good job, I enjoyed the read. Go Browns.
AGB
Oberlin , OH
Total Comments (64)
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