Preseason Win-Loss Predictions for Every Team: AFC North Edition

And now onward and upward with my preseason win-loss predictions for every NFL team this season.  Please note that I will bravely [?] refuse to change any of my projections based on the meaningless said preseason games to come, so if I look crazy later, I'm just lazy.  Now on to the AFC North!

Cincinnati Bengals
Predicted Record: 10 - 6

In a Sentence: Against the sunsetting backdrop of an aging Ravens-Steelers rivalry, the Bengals finally break through and steal the division crown in 2012 to the surprise of many.

Playoff Chances: Very, very good, especially if either Baltimore or Pittsburgh gets off to a slow start.  I've picked the Bengals to win the AFC North this year.

Best Game: Cincinnati goes to Baltimore in Week 17, a matchup that may well determine the division winner in dramatic fashion.

Upset Pick: The Bengals set the tone for the season when they outlast the Ravens in their bookend Week 1 performance.

Baltimore Ravens
Predicted Record: 9 - 7

In A Sentence: It won't be pretty, but the Ravens' sheer will power and steady QB play by Joe Flacco will see them through in what may be Ray Lewis' and Ed Reed's farewell season.

Playoff Chances: Taking notes from the 2011 New York Giants, Baltimore limps into the wild card round and then turns up the heat with the return of Terrell Suggs.

Best Game: Can there be another? Baltimore at Pittsburgh in Week 11.

Upset Pick: The Ravens get to sing their redemption song in Week 4 against the Patriots with a game-ending field goal from anti-hero Billy Cundiff.  (Not technically an upset, but hey...)

Pittsburgh Steelers
Predicted Record: 9 - 7

In A Sentence: The Steelers have a steady but unmemorable year while building up a new defensive corps for long-term success under Polamalu's tutelage.

Playoff Chances: One could easily swap the Ravens' chances with that of the Steelers this year.  However, Pittsburgh lays an unexpected egg in Cleveland to let Baltimore go ahead in the division standings.

Upset Pick: Blame it on the Week 3 bye (Huh? That exists?).  A long and grueling schedule puts the Steelers behind the eightball by the time they make it to Cleveland in Week 12.

Cleveland Browns
Predicted Record: 4 - 12

In A Sentence: Same as it ever was, the Cleveland Browns will continue to rest patiently at the bottom of the Yertle the Turtle tower in a powerful division, this time with Brandon Weedon starring.

Playoff Chances: Stranger things have happened, but the Browns will stay locked up in the dawg pound for another year.

Best Game: If not the upset pick below, Cleveland at Indianapolis in Week 7 could be an intriguing matchup of teams trying to mold new talent into relevance again.

Upset Pick: Cleveland finds a way past Pittsburgh in Week 12 with Trent Richardson's growing ground-and-pound success.