NFL PREVIEW \ AFC North

A look at teams in the AFC North, in order of last season’s standings:

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (10-7)

Open camp: July 27, Latrobe, Pa.

Last year: Got off to 7-2 start under Mike Tomlin, only their third coach since 1969, but faded with four losses in final five games, including consecutive home losses to Jacksonville.

Important additions: RBs Rashard Mendenhall (first-round pick) and Mewelde Moore; WR Limas Sweed (second-rounder); C Justin Hartwig; QB Dennis Dixon.

Important losses: LG Alan Faneca; LB Clark Haggans; KR Allen Rossum.

Camp needs: Figuring out unsettled offensive line that was inconsistent in 2007 and is without one of best linemen in team history in Faneca. Finding out how RB Willie Parker and first-round pick Mendenhall fit together in backfield. Making sure second-year LB LaMarr Woodley is comfortable as starter.

Expectations: Offensive line is key to whether one of best and most-balanced offenses in club history takes off. QB Ben Roethlisberger got the new toys he wanted. Now, Steelers must protect him, force more turnovers than a year ago and quit falling behind early in games to take deeper run into playoffs.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (10-6)

Open camp: July 24, Berea, Ohio.

Last year: Barely missed playoffs following surprising turnaround season, which has led to enormous expectations heading into this one. QB Derek Anderson took over following Charlie Frye’s stunning trade after Week 1 and put up Pro Bowl statistics while directing one of league’s most potent offenses. RB Jamal Lewis ran for more than 1,300 yards behind a revamped line.

Important additions: WR Donte’ Stallworth brings more Super Bowl experience and will be underneath weapon for Anderson. DT Shaun Rogers and DE Corey Williams are huge upgrades for defensive line in need of major makeover.

Important losses: With CBs Leigh Bodden (trade), Daven Holly (injury) and Kenny Wright (released) no longer around, Browns are thin in defensive backfield. DT Orpheus Roye was solid and steady.

Camp needs: Coach Romeo Crennel must find veteran cornerback or Browns are sunk. DE Kamerion Wimbley was club’s only consistent pass rusher last season and needs help. TE Kellen Winslow has griped about wanting a new contract and team can’t afford any distractions.

Expectations: Playoffs or bust. A killer schedule, which includes five prime-time TV appearances, could make it tough for Browns to go .500.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (7-9)

Open camp: July 27, Georgetown, Ky.

Last year: Took huge step backward in Marvin Lewis’ fifth season as head coach. More player conduct problems (LB Odell Thurman had his suspension extended for entire season, WR Chris Henry was suspended for first eight games; both were released in offseason). WR Chad Johnson started lobbying for new contract and trade. Defense struggled again, leading to firing of coordinator Chuck Bresnahan.

Important additions: TE Ben Utecht gives Carson Palmer another pass-catching option in offense that bogged down last season. DE Antwan Odom will help anchor line now missing DE Justin Smith. QB Jordan Palmer — Carson’s younger brother — will compete for No. 3 job.

Important losses: S Madieu Williams; DE Justin Smith; WR Chris Henry (team’s No. 3 receiver before his most recent arrest led to his release).

Camp needs: New coordinator Mike Zimmer is overhauling defense, trying to make unit more aggressive. Bengals need a smooth transition so they can get off to uplifting start. They also need Johnson to stop moping over team’s decision not to trade him. Johnson could be disruptive if he keeps calling attention to his unhappiness.

Expectations: Lewis’ reputation is on the line after last season’s tumble. Bengals have had only one winning record in his five seasons. If Johnson stops grousing and defense grasps Zimmer’s aggressive schemes quickly, Bengals could finish around 8-8. If things don’t fall into place quickly, another losing season — and major fan backlash — is likely.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-11)

Open camp: July 21, Westminster, Md.

Last year: A season that began with playoff aspirations ended with dismissal of coach Brian Billick, who directed a team tormented by key injuries, a sputtering offense and advancing age. After 4-2 start, Ravens lost nine straight — including an overtime defeat in Miami for Dolphins’ lone win of season. A victory over Steelers in finale was not enough to save Billick’s job.

Important additions: Coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron; QB Joe Flacco (first-round draft pick); CB Fabian Washington (trade with Raiders); LB Brendon Ayanbadejo.

Important losses: QB Steve McNair; OT Jonathan Ogden; RBs Musa Smith and Mike Anderson; C Mike Flynn; WR Devard Darling; KR B.J. Sams.

Camp needs: Harbaugh’s first priority is to settle on starting quarterback. Kyle Boller has the experience, but Troy Smith has more agility. Flacco is quarterback of future whose time might come sooner than expected. Ravens also need to replace Ogden at LT and must find depth at CB behind Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle; both missed several games with injuries last season.

Expectations: Ravens won’t admit it, but this looks like rebuilding year. A .500 season would probably be acceptable if Harbaugh proves team is headed in right direction and if Cameron and Flacco display potential to make this long-suffering offense work.

Associated Press

XComing Wednesday/AFC East