A capsule look at the AFC North:

Story lines:

1. Will this be a breakthrough season for the Browns? A prominent billboard in Cleveland reads "There's Always This Year," and that's the mood surrounding a franchise coming off a 10-6 season, with a strong-armed young quarterback and five prime-time games. Never mind that Cleveland beat only one team last season that finished with a winning record.

2. If Pittsburgh is going to remain top dog in the division, it will have to do it the hard way. The Steelers have the league's toughest schedule, facing teams with a combined .598 winning percentage. That includes road games against New England, Washington, Tennessee, Philadelphia and Jacksonville; and home games against Dallas, Indianapolis, the New York Giants, San Diego and — mercifully? — Houston.

3. In Cincinnati, Marvin Lewis is on his third defensive coordinator. Can Mike Zimmer draw up the right schemes to start putting heat on opposing quarterbacks, who were sacked a league-low 22 times last season? A lot of that depends on the one-on-one reliability of cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall. The Bengals expect a lot from those players, both of whom were first-round picks.

How they'll finish:

1. Pittsburgh: Don't underestimate the importance of safety Troy Polamalu getting — and staying — healthy.

2. Cleveland: As long as Derek Anderson doesn't suffer a sophomore slump, Browns are on the rise.

3. Cincinnati: There was enough blame to go around for Carson Palmer's career-high 20 interceptions last season. Bengals need help at receiver.

4. Baltimore: With serious questions at quarterback and on the offensive line, new Coach John Harbaugh will earn his keep.