ESPN The Magazine: AFC North preview

These division previews appear in the Sept. 7 issue of ESPN The Magazine.

Projected order of finish

Last year's champs go for lucky No. 7. The linebacker pipeline continues with Lawrence Timmons, and a healthy Rashard Mendenhall will help the run game. But even the best statistical projections can't explain the Steelers' consistency from year to year.

The Ravens had the second-most injured defense in the NFL last season, which means they will probably be even better in 2009. Unfortunately, our models suggest the offense will give back last year's gains, even with Derrick Mason back as Joe Flacco's security blanket.

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