Overall the many of the players within the AFC North did not provide many fantasy teams with much to cheer about on a consistent basis.

Sure you have the powerful Cinci offense and the opportunistic Baltimore D, but after that, the pickins get slim.

Big Ben, Hines and Willie put up some numbers but never hit their stride. In fact, they looked downright uninspired for much of the season.

Braylon Edwards, The Soldier and the rest of the Cleveland offense provided a few bright spots but not enough to keep them in your weekly lineup with confidence.

The AFC North may be a source of some good fantasy football value this year. Lets take a look at some of the off season moves.

Baltimore Ravens
OL - The unit that allowed the least amount of sacks last year has gotten deeper and younger. Lost RT Tony Pashos and G Edwin Mutitalo but drafted two solid players RT/G Marshal Yanda and G Ben Grubbs.
QB - PMTS other than drafting Troy Smith out of THE Ohio State.
RB - Lose Jamal Lewis and sign Willis McGahee. Same back-ups Musa Smith and Mike Anderson.
WR - PMTS
TE - PMTS
D - PMTS other than losing OLB Adalius Thomas

Cincinnati Bengals
OL - Lose LG Eric Stienbach but added C Alex Stepanovich.
QB - PMTS minus the knee brace on palmer.
RB - PMTS but drafted Kenny Irons.
WR - Lose Kelly Washington and Henry suspended for a few games leaving Tab Perry at #3.
TE - PMTS
D - Lost a few guys in free agency and didn’t draft anyone notable besides CB Leon Hall

Cleveland Browns
OL - Upgraded with LG/LT Eric Steinbach (CIN) who is considered one of the best in the game and C/G Seth McKinney. Also drafted LT Joe Thomas third overall.
QB - PMTS and drafted Brady Quinn.
RB - Lose Reuben Droughns and add Jamal Lewis (BAL), who will be playing at a lighter wieght this year. Lost fullback Terrelle Smith. Watch Chris Barclay who is looking good an Europe and could get the backup role.
WR - PMTS except lose Dennis Northcutt and add Tim Carter (NYG).
TE - PMTS. Note that Winslow’s knee still nagging him.
D - Should be better after adding a defensive end, nose tackle and drafted many more in the draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers
OL - G Alan Faneca not liking the situation (keep an eye on this) and C Jeff Hartings retired. Add G/C Sean Martin.
QB - PMTS
RB - Re-signed Najeh Davenport, released Verron Haynes (inj) and signed Kevan Barlow.
WR - PMTS
TE - Drafted Matt Speath (MN)
D - New head coach Mike Tomlin keeps DC Dick LeBeau. Lose Joey Porter but almost all draft picks are defensive players.

This battle for division title looks to be a tight race. Baltimore looks strong. If McNair can stay relatively healthy, I’m betting this offense will average at least 7 more points a game this year. McGahee will give them a more versatile threat out of the backfield, keeping defenders honest and giving the receivers a bit more room to operate.

Cincinnati players will be in great demand come draft day and for good reason. Beside the fact that the offense looks more and more unstoppable every year, their defense seems to have taken a step backwards which should keep the offense in scoring mode.

It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh responds to a new coach. The defense could be downright scary this year if the offense can keep them off the field. Being that Tomlin is a defensive guy, I bet he is a ball control guy. If that is the case, look for a majority of their points coming out of the running game.

Cleveland is hard to put a finger on at this point. I am betting that their defense will be strong and keep the them in games. The defense should prove your team with a nice number two and post solid starts against weaker offenses.

On offense, I hear many people throwing around Drew Brees/Phillip Rivers comparisons. Not sure that is fair considering Tomlinson is not in the backfield. The improved line will give Charlie the opportunity to step up and Jamal Lewis’ a few holes. If those two execute, their could be some excellent value with guys like Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow (if healthy).

I’ll be back in a few days to give you my notes on the AFC South.