NFL Preview 2012: Looking at the AFC North

With the 2012 NFL season right around the corner, Rant Sports decided to breakdown the AFC East in their NFL preview 2012.

Who’s the MVP of the division this season?

Let’s go on a limb here and say A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals. This former Georgia star was a stud during his rookie season in  2011 by making the Pro Bowl and helping the Bengals make a surprise playoff run in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year. Now that he has a year of experience under his belt–expect a monster season for Green in his sophomore season.

Which player will be your AFC North Rookie of Year in 2012?

The Cleveland Browns may not make the playoffs, but they’ll have one of the league’s most impressive rookies in Brandon Weeden. Keep in mind Weeden is already 28 years of age–so he may have an extra advantage over the rest of the rookies in the division.

3 teams reached the playoffs last year. How many will the AFC North have in 2012?

This division will only send two teams to the playoffs in 2012–the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals will give these teams a run for their money, but their difficult schedule may stand in the way of a second-straight playoff appearance.

The Division Title went to the Ravens last year. Can they repeat in 2012 as defending AFC North champions?

Baltimore and Pittsburgh always put up a dog fight in this division each season and fans can expect the same once again in 2012.