AFC North: Predicting the standings

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass during an AFC wild card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 9-7 

I think some may be surprised that I’m expecting the Steelers to finish third in the AFC North, but here’s my feel on them right now.

One, have you seen their schedule? They play teams like New England, Denver, Seattle, Arizona, San Diego, Indianapolis, and Kansas City – Not to mention, the Bengals and Ravens twice. There is almost no break in their schedule, and after a while, it could really fatigue this group throughout the entirety of regular season.

Secondly, they’re in that phase that every team goes through at one point or another, and that is the rebuilding stage. It’s not a team-wide rebuild, but rather just a defensive rebuild, after a decade of dominance with the likes of Troy Polamalu, Casey Hampton, Ike Taylor, and others.

In a league where three wide receiver sets are so prevalent, how are they going to cover anyone? Cortez Allen at one point last year was benched, even after receiving a contract extension, and he so happens to be the team’s number one cornerback.The front seven is also loaded with younger players that still haven’t proven their worth just yet. I have a real concern with this group.

Offensively, they were electric last season. Ranking second in the league in yards, with two of the league’s best at both wide receiver and running back, in Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. Ben Roethlisberger set a career high in passing yards and completion percentage, and just looks like a completely different quarterback now entering his fourth season with Todd Haley as his offensive coordinator. I still see this team as a wildcard contender, but they have too many questions defensively for me to buy in on them as a serious super bowl contender.

Next: 2. Cincinnati Bengals