AFC North

As has been the case the past few seasons, the worry for Baltimore has beenon the offense. Defensively they finished 3rd in the League and theyproduced 47 sacks, but can their offense go? All will hinge on the fate ofrunning back Jamal Lewis who rushed for over 2,000 yards despite havingeight-man fronts facing him almost every time he carried the ball. It isworrying that his legal problems could end his season before it begins,with his court date fixed for November 1st. This could have a seriousaffect on his games before that date, and could serious jeopardize hisavailability for the games in November and December. The Bengals were arespectable 8-8 last season, but may find things tough this season withoutthe services of Corey Dillon and the benching of of quarterback Jon Kitna,after the best season of his career, in favor of untested ex-No. 1 pickCarson Palmer. Cleveland also have questions to be asked on offence, whilePittsburgh just couldn’t run the ball last season, and finished 31st in theNFL in rushing, gaining only 1,488 yards.