4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Players to Watch: Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, Jarvis Jones, Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor I'm starting to second guess my decision to write this article thanks to the terribly complicated AFC this year. There are so many teams with playoff potential, especially from the AFC North division. After looking at the rosters, losses and acquisitions, and schedules, the Steelers stick out as the division winner. With Ben Roethlisberger making an attempt to play an entire season without injury, he finally has a new running back to help. Rookie Le'Veon Bell out of Michigan State is a perfect fit for the Steelers' typical ground-and-pound running game. Bell is a large, forceful downhill runner, and with the Steelers' talented O-line, he should be able to fill the role as starting RB with relative ease. Of course, losing Mike Wallace to the Dolphins certainly won't help their passing game, but Antonio Brown should be able to step in and surprise fans and fantasy owners - expect big numbers from him this season. Defensively, the Steelers lost the aging, yet ever-impactful James Harrison to arch-rival and contending Cincinnati Bengals, but drafting Jarvis Jones as Harrison's replacement should prove to be worthwhile. Jones is an intelligent, hard-hitting outside linebacker capable of rushing opposing QBs with under-appreciated celerity. Look for Jones to make an immediate impact and lead all rookies in sacks this season. Also, barring further injury, the ball-hawking Troy Polamalu and punishing Ryan Clark should come back forcefully. Expect the Steelers to make up for last year's lack of success and finish 11-5.
Note: Should Big Ben sustain another sidelining injury this year, expect the well-trained rookie Landry Jones (Oklahoma) to step in and lead the team in the right direction. Great draft pick!