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4. Cincinnati Bengals (3-13): The Bengals have had a miserable offseason. They didn't get rid of Marvin Lewis despite a very disappointing 2010 campaign, but they did force QB Carson Palmer to retire after they refused to trade him. To put the icing on the cake they traded away veteran receiver Chad Ochocinco to the Patriots. So out with the old and in with the new with Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. Dalton was a winner at TCU and could turn out to be a steal for the Bengals. As for Green, he was probably the most talented player in the draft. The problem with those guys is that they are rookies and it will take them some time to adjust to the pro game, so 2011 is a little to early to expect this team to compete. You can't help feel sorry for these Bungles, who I gave three wins out of common courtesy (just kidding Bengals fans). 

3. Cleveland Browns (6-10): If the Browns weren't in such a difficult division, they would be a wild card team. The fact they have to play the Ravens and Steelers twice a year, takes away their hopes to get to the playoffs in 2011. This team is young and talented with Colt McCoy at QB and Peyton Hillis at RB, but they are still incomplete as a team. Cleveland has also looked very impressive in the preseason, but if the 2006 Steelers or 2010 49ers have taught us anything,  it is that you can't read to much into the exhibition games that are played each season. Losing Rob Ryan was a big hit for the Browns defense and they also have a new head coach, so it is a major transitional year for Cleveland. Still, I think that the days of using the Browns as a punch line is over. 

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5): For the past five seasons, the Super Bowl losers have always had a tough time returning to the postseason. However, the Steelers are not like other teams in the NFL. Despite defenders like Troy Polamalu and James Harrison getting, "older," they are still one of the best defenses in the league and probably the best when they play at Heinz Field. As for the offense, Big Ben Roethlisberger steers the reigns, with veterans and young players to throw to on the outside. Heinz Ward is probably the perfect image of the Steelers franchise, while Mike Wallace is one of the best young players in the league. Rashard Mendenhall is one of the most underrated RB's in the league, but with a great defense comes a great running game. Even though Pittsburgh will return to the playoffs, but I think its another defenses turn to take over as top dog in this division. 

1. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): QB Joe Flacco has gotten a lot of trash talk from people all around the league; whether they are analysts or players, everybody seems to hate on Flacco. It is undeserving, because Flacco has done what no other QB has done in NFL history. He has won three straight playoff games in three straight seasons and the only team that has stood in his way are the Steelers. Once in the 2009 AFC Championship Game and then again last season in the divisional round. I have a feeling this is the Ravens year to overtake Pittsburgh for that top spot in the division. Ray Rice is one of the best RB's in the game and has gotten a lot better with Vonta Leach blocking for him. Despite the defense being "old" they are one of the best units in the league (as long as Ray Lewis is their, that's a guarantee). Flacco is a top 10 QB for sure, now its time for him to join the elite class that this league has to offer.