First of all let me say that I believe that the AFC North is phenotype the most competitive divisions in the NFL by far. Having said that, I DO believe the Bengals are.being sorely overrated. I find it hard to give a team props that has been around as long as they have and continually found ways to fail. Dalton is no Esiason and he couldn't get it done either.
The Ravens, to me, are going to be right there fighting for the division at the end of the season. My pick for the division is the Pittsburgh Steelers who I believe are going to shock some people with a 12-4, 11-5 record.
I do not believe the Bengals will make the playoffs unless it is as the 3rd AFCN team, 2nd Wildcard. Could I be wrong? Absolutely. But the Steelers don't have six rings and more playoff appearances than most of the AFCN combined for no reason..