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AFC North
1) Baltimore Ravens
Strength
Offensive talent: The Ravens have never seen a stable of talent like this on the offensive side of the ball. WR Anquan Boldin is the first legitimate #1 receiver in Baltimore since they actually became the Ravens, and rookie TEs Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson are both pass-catching specialists. Ray Rice has become an elite running back too, though Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain will likely continue to vulture his touchdowns. The offensive line is loaded as well, led by Michael Oher

Weakness
Father time: Ray Lewis, for as much as he brings to the locker room, has lost a step at MLB and may not be playing at the elite level that he used to. 31-year old Ed Reed said on July 22 that he may start the season on the PUP list and miss the first six games due to hip surgery, and DE Trevor Price is entering his 14^th season. Luckily, rookies Terrence Cody and Sergio Kindle appear to be ready to contribute right away.

2) Pittsburgh Steelers
Strength
Mike Tomlin: If there’s anyone who can keep the Steelers’ ship steady, it’s Tomlin. He’ll rely on his rock solid defense to keep the Steelers in contention until Ben Roethlisberger returns from suspension. Tomlin is a no-excuses type of coach and someone who has the respect and confidence of his players – in other words, the perfect man to guide Pittsburgh through the tumult of the beginning of the season.

Weakness
Offensive depth: This applies not only to the quarterback position, where either Dennis Dixon or Byron Leftwich will have to hold down the fort for at least four games, but also at receiver. Hines Ward, one of the toughest men in the league, has gotten another year older and Mike Wallace (a breakout prospect) is starting for the first time in his career. They’ll need Limas Sweed to be effective in the 3^rd receiver role, and for Rashard Mendenhall to consistently produce. The offensive line also gave up 50 sacks last season and wasn’t upgraded, save for C/G Maurkice Pouncey.

3) Cincinnati Bengals
Strength
An unheralded offensive line: no one on the Bengals’ O-line is a household name, but they quietly were the best unit in the league in power situations (“Percentage of runs on third or fourth down, two yards or less to go, that achieved a first down or touchdown”) according to footballoutsiders.com. The unit also allowed just 29 sacks, 9^th best in the league.

Weakness
Great expectations: The Bengals caught the league off guard with a quick start last year but stumbled down the stretch, going 3-3 to finish the year after a 7-3 start. Both RB Cedric Benson and DE Antwan Odom had were statistical anomalies compared to the rest of their careers (’09 was Benson’s first season with 300+ carries and 750+ yards, and Odom began the season with 8 sacks in five games before getting injured). I’m skeptical of the Bengals until I see whether those two – especially Benson – can produce again.

4) Cleveland Browns
Strength
Jake Delhomme: Before anyone thinks I’ve gone off the deep end, let me say that his on-field play may not be a strength any more. But there are few in the league who are as good a locker room influence as Delhomme is. He’s a consummate pro and a leader who had the respect of his teammates and coaches even as he struggled at times in Carolina, and he’ll be a perfect mentor to Colt McCoy. Food for thought for the Delhomme haters: if you were to toss out the ’09-’10 season, Delhomme’s QB rating in years in which he’s played at least 10 games is a solid 84.7. I have a hunch that he’ll have a better year than most expect. 

Weakness
The entire defense: The Browns ranked 28^th in pass defense efficiency and 30^th against the run (once again according to footballoutsiders.com) and didn’t add any impact players, except for rookie DB Joe Haden. I’m not sure if the defense will be any better this season.