After looking at each individual team in the AFC North, it is time to look at the division as a whole.

Division Winner: The Pittsburgh Steelers should repeat as winners of the AFC North this season. Pittsburgh is a complete team with few weaknesses on either side of the ball. When Baltimore comes to Pittsburgh on December 27th that game should be the one to decide the division and look like a playoff-type atmosphere.

Wild Card Team: Baltimore should be able to win a Wild Card spot in the AFC. They will probably have double digit wins on the season, but still will be in second place behind the Steelers. The Ravens have a solid running game and a strong defense, so the fate of the season rests on young Joe Flacco’s shoulders.

Player on the Rise: Ray Rice played well last season in relief for the injured Willis McGahee. Training camp should be an open completion for the starting running back position in Baltimore, and Rice has the talent to not only win the job, but excel on the field.

Player on the Demise: Chad Ochocinco may be Tweeting on the field this season if he has his way, but his stock should continue to fall this season. Even with Carson Palmer returning under center I still think Ochocinco will struggle without T.J. Houshmandzadeh getting equal or more attention from the defense.

Division MVP: Troy Polamalu is a game changing safety, as he had a career high seven interceptions last season. He constantly is tight on the line of scrimmage, only to back off into coverage to confuse the quarterback. I think this season Polamalu may reach double digits in interceptions, and will have at least one pick in the last game against Joe Flacco and the Ravens.