AFC North: Predicting the standings

Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws a pass in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Cincinnati Bengals 

Record: 10-6

Andy Dalton gets a ton of flak for being a boring quarterback, but he’s been to the playoffs all four years of his career. He’ll never be Tom Brady, but he’s more than serviceable.

What I love about this team, is their line play on both sides of the ball. Both lines are full of depth, which can’t go unnoticed in a league where attrition has a lot to do with either the success or demise of a team. Not to mention a draft class this past offseason, that could easily be the best when we look back in two-to-three years from now.

In the first three rounds, they selected two offensive lineman in Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher that project to be long-term starters, as well one of the bigger steals in the draft with the selection of linebacker, Paul Dawson. Already with a healthy roster, these players are just a plus. No pressure, just assets.

With the breakout of Jeremy Hill at running back last year, and Gio Bernard entering his third season, Cincy now has a dynamic duo that compliment each other perfectly. With a receiving group that includes A.J. Green, Mohamed Sanu, and a healthy Marvin Jones, this offense can hit you in many ways.

This team is just too sound not to be a playoff team in 2015. Will they be legitimate contenders for a title? Probably not, because after all, the Marvin Lewis-Dalton combination has been pitiful in the postseason, but hey, something’s gotta give.

Next: 1. Baltimore Ravens