Here are capsule previews of the AFC North:

Cincinnati Bengals

2006 record — 8-8

OutlookIf the offense is firing on all cylinders, the Bengals will be tough to stop in the regular and postseason.

Best-case scenarioCoach Marvin Lewis proves that he's a defensive guru and lifts the unit to the point that it pulls its weight with the high-powered offense.

Worst-case scenarioQB Carson Palmer suffers a season-ending knee injury, neutralizing the Bengals' dangerous receivers and putting too much pressure on RB Rudi Johnson.

Parting shotLet's hope that the suspension of WR Chris Henry has scared the Bengals straight.

Pittsburgh Steelers2006 record — 8-8

OutlookCoach Mike Tomlin inherits a team that was on the rise at the end of 2006. He hasn't tinkered much, so the Steelers could return to Super Bowl form of 2005.

Best-case scenarioTE Heath Miller and WR Santonio Holmes continue to mature, and QB Ben Roethlisberger returns to form.

Worst-case scenarioCenter Jeff Hartings' retirement weakened the line; an injury to Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca could decimate it.

Parting shotCheerleaders would provide more sideline interest than mascot Steely McBeam.

Baltimore Ravens

2006 record — 13-3

OutlookCoach Brian Billick redeemed himself last year, when all the breaks went the Ravens' way. The aging Ravens probably won't be so lucky again.

Best-case scenarioRB Willis McGahee adopts a can-do attitude and lifts the Ravens' running game to the level of Jamal Lewis in his prime.

Worst-case scenarioThe Ravens' other keys on offense — QB Steve McNair, 34; WR Derrick Mason, 33; and tackle Jonathan Ogden, 33 — realize life is too short to keep taking this punishment.

Parting shotBillick should keep a supply of NFL-approved happy pills for the moody McGahee and Mason.

Cleveland Browns

2006 record — 4-12

OutlookThe Browns and head coach Romeo Crennel have too much ground to make up to be a player in the division.

Best-case scenarioQB Brady Quinn takes charge, inspiring TE Kellen Winslow to be the dynamo he has promised to be since 2004.

Worst-case scenarioC LeCharles Bentley remains on the PUP list and T Ryan Tucker starts the season on suspension, giving the Browns a flimsy offensive line. No, wait, that's already happened ...

Parting shotRomeo, Romeo, parting is such sweet sorrow.