2007 AFC North Division Preview by Marc Lawrence Life up north certainly has its chilly moments, especially during the NFL season. Life in the AFC has had its moments this decade as all six Super Bowl winners reside inside this now dominant conference, including three-time winner New England in the AFC East, two teams (Baltimore, Pittsburgh) in the AFC North, and Indianapolis in the AFC East. Will it be seven-for-seven in ’ 07? Check out conditions in the AFC North before dipping your toes in the water. Here is my take of teams in the AFC North Division for 2007. Be sure to check out the rest of my 2007 NFL Previews updated throughout the summer. Enjoy! Baltimore: After the Ravens cracked the 300-yard barrier just once in their first six games of the season last year, Brian Billick showed a lot of stones when he released best friend and offensive coordinator Jim Fassel. Billick took the reins of the offense and accorded himself well with his play calling ability as the Ravens went on to win nine of their ten remaining games, surpassing the 300-yard barrier eight times. The best news they received in the off-season was Pro Bowl OT Jonathan Ogden is not going to retire. They then immediately upgraded the offensive line with the addition of first round pick Ben Grubbs (Auburn). Free agent RB Willis McGahee (Bills) is a huge improvement over the departed Jamal Lewis. Now, if Steve McNair can hold up for another season, Billick will be one happy camper. Play on Baltimore vs. Indianapolis (key as an underdog). Cincinnati: They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. The belief in Cincinnati is an arrest a month keeps the playoffs at bay. The Bengals had nine players arrested in a nine-month period last year and QB Carson Palmer is mad as hell and not going to take it anymore. "If it doesn't stop, we're not going to have any fans left, and I don't blame them. It's ridiculous... We can't get through a month without getting a guy arrested. It happens on another team and they're shocked and surprised to hear about it. With us, you hear about it and it doesn't surprise you. You just shake your head and say, 'Another one?'" It is ridiculous. In what other profession - outside gang-banger, maybe - do 17 percent of the company employees have an arrest record? Play against Cincinnati vs. Miami. Cleveland: ‘Welcome Joe and Brady, Thank U Phil.’ That was the sign on the billboards posted around town by WMMS, the radio station of the Cleveland Browns, following a heyday in this year’s NFL draft. OT Joe Thomas (Wisconsin) and QB Brady Quinn (Notre Dame) were the choices landed by the Browns when general manager Phil Savage traded picks with Dallas late in the opening round. Cleveland also grabbed talented, but troubled, CB Eric Wright to conclude a strong draft. Just as importantly, free agent pickup Eric Steinbach (G -Bengals) helps solidify a weak offensive line. The key to the season will be the first three home games; all against division opponents in September. Romeo Crennel knows he needs a fast start to save his job. The real question is how long can Charlie Frye hold off the Mighty Quinn? Play on Cleveland as a home underdog vs. Cincinnati (key off a loss). Pittsburgh: After a stellar 15-year career (161-99-1) with the Steelers, Bill Cowher elected to step down to take time and smell the roses. Maybe it was the disappointing play of his Super Bowl champions last year, or simply the fact that he needed time away from the rigors of the game. Either way, Mike Tomlin steps in from Minnesota as the tenth African-American head coach in NFL history. A defensive coordinator with the Vikings last season, and former DB coach with Tampa Bay, he brings his ‘Tampa 2’ defense to the Steel City. It is a refinement of the ‘Cover 2’ system designed by former Steelers’ defensive coach Bud Carson. If there’s one thing Pittsburgh fans can relate to it’s a dominating defense. Coupled with a strong running game, and a bounce-back season from QB Ben Roethlisberger, it’s chin-strap tightening time in the Steel city again. Play on Pittsburgh at home vs. Baltimore. Remember to get Marc Lawrence’s Guaranteed NFL Football Winners this year right here at Vegas Experts, where you only pay after you win! And don’t forget to check out Marc’s 2007 College Football Previews, with free College Football Picks on nearly every team!