AFC North at the Quarter Mark

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) - Despite the record, the Steelers do not look good. Even after four games their brutal schedule has taken its toll, with the top backup running back and guard out for the season in addition to Willie Parker's absence for one game so far (and probably another in week 5). The "F" in "FWP" might as well stand for "fragile." While the defense is still strong and will continue to be so as long as Dick Lebeau is calling the plays, there are major questions on the offensive line that in turn limits what the Steelers can do in terms of scoring. Don't expect Roethlisberger to throw 32 touchdowns this year, he barely has time to dump it off to Mewelde Moore.

Baltimore Ravens (2-1) - After their freak week 2 bye, the Ravens might be the surprise team in the league so far this year. The return to health of key defensive players like Chris McAllister and Ray Lewis is making the difference, as the Ravens are at the top of the league in defense. Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco is doing an adequate job, but the fumbles have to stop. The running game is doing well with Willis Mcgahee and rookie Le'Ron McClain. While the defense is nowhere near that which carried them to a Super Bowl victory in 2000, the Ravens could sneak into a wildcard spot if their physical style of play doesn't put all of their starters on IR first.

Cleveland Browns (1-3) - As expected (by me) the Browns are folding to good teams. Just like 2007. Derek Anderson is taking most of the blame, but really it's everywhere. Offseason acquisitions have done pretty much nothing (has Stallworth even played a game yet?), while we're at risk of seeing the beginning of the Brady Quinn era before November. Braylon Edwards, the "budding superstar" can't play for more than a quarter before collapsing due to lack of breath. The Browns need to figure out their problems and do it fast, because with their schedule life does not get easier.

Cincinnati Bengals (0-4) - The only good thing about the Bengals this year is that people finally stopped talking about how they were "on the bubble" of making the playoffs. How on Earth has Marvin Lewis kept his job this long? The Bengals look terrible in nearly every area of play. Carson Palmer showed flashes of his former self against the Giants before a somewhat mysterious injury sidelined him for week 4. The running game is so bad that they just signed Cedric Benson. The defense is its usual terrible self with the exception of rookie Keith Rivers. Chad Ocho Cinco has not compensated for his pouting in the offseason, and if he wants a trade he should start proving that he's worth it.