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There is no better division in football than the AFC North. Even the team most consider the bottom feeder of the North, Cleveland Browns, could make a serious run at winning a few other divisions.

Baltimore made the playoffs for the third time in four years in 2009. Many pundits were surprised, given the fact they did not know if quarterback Joe Flacco would continue developing and not suffer a sophomore slump, or if rookie Michael Oher would solidify their offensive line.

Not only was Flacco excellent, to the point he is already on the verge of becoming the Ravens all-time leader in passing yards, but Oher played so well that he deserved to win the Rookie of the Year honors.

Factor that in with a superior defense led by future Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, and possibly Haloti Ngata as well, Baltimore seems to always be within reach of victory because of this unit. Reed is injured now, and his availability in 2010 is a mystery, but it is not prudent to count him out just yet.

The Pittsburgh Steelers won it all in 2008, and many of those champions return. Even with the suspension of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the team is still capable of winning another Super Bowl.

The Cincinnati Bengals are a squad mixed with veterans, youngsters, and castoffs most other teams would not employ. They put it all together last year to win their second division crown since 1991 and their ninth playoff appearance since their 1968 inception.

Cleveland has made some nice improvements as well after hiring Mike Holmgren to run the franchise. They plan not to be as easy a team to beat as they were in 2009.

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