The Bengals will, once again, be no factor at all in the division race, and they will take their customary spot at the bottom of the standings. They may show slight improvement this year, but they are still far from playoff contention.

The Cleveland Browns seem to be heading in the right direction, but they too are not ready to challenge for the division title just yet. They beefed up both lines through the draft and free agency, but they still have virtually no offensive weapons for quarterback Tim Couch to work with. Look for Cleveland to finish first in the battle of Ohio, but that will be about as far as they will get.

The Pittsburgh Steelers could be a big surprise this season if they can get some consistent play out of Kordell Stewart. They brought in a quarterback coach, for the first time since 1973, to help Kordell finally become a quality starter. I just don't see him ever being the starter the Steelers envisioned him to be, and the quarterback woes will continue in Pittsburgh.

Jacksonville went into the off-season with some serious salary cap problems, but they managed to keep the core of their team intact. They will need a healthy Jimmy Smith on the field if they are going to make a run at the playoffs, and Mark Brunnell must stay on the same page as head coach Tom Coughlin this year. If the Jags start slowly, Coughlin may be the first head coach to get the axe.

The Tennessee Titans may have been an injury away from the Super Bowl last year. If quarterback Steve McNair had not been injured in the playoffs, they may have gone all the way. This team is still very solid, although they have not addressed the need for a play-making receiver. They will be at or near the top of the division at year's end.

The Baltimore Ravens had a record-setting defense in 2000, and they hope to compliment it with an improved offense this year. Elvis Grbac should be a significant improvement at the quarterback position, but if he struggles to move the offense, you'll hear chants of "Dilfer, Dilfer" ringing from PSINet Stadium. I think Grbac will do just fine and the Ravens will be back in the playoffs again.

My Prediction