The 2011 season was completed less than a week ago, and I already know the 2012 playoff field. Well, it's only a projection but it's still an interesting Insider post read.

Using their supercomputer (think Skynet from the Terminator movies) and a formula that I really don't understand, the gang at numberFire has come up with the 12-team playoff picture. Since it's an Insider post, I will only give you a sneak peak at the AFC North teams, two of which (the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens) reach the postseason again.

The Steelers are predicted to go 11-5 and earn the AFC's No. 2 seed. This is not a shocker. While there should be turnover on defense, a healthy Ben Roethlisberger makes the Steelers a favorite to win the AFC North every year.

The Ravens are expected to 10-6 and make the playoffs as the No. 5 seed (the top wild-card team). If the Steelers are slated to win the division, the Ravens shouldn't be far behind. My biggest question is if Dean Pees can keep that aggressive approach that Chuck Pagano brought back in his one year as defensive coordinator.

The Bengals are projected to go 8-8 and just miss out on the playoffs. Cincinnati has had a history of following up a strong season with a mediocre one. We'll see if newcomers like Andy Dalton and A.J. Green can change that trend.

The Browns are predicted to finish 5-11 and remain in last place in the division. It's easy to pencil the Browns in for another double-digit loss season because it happens year after year. But the Browns are the toughest AFC North team to project. No one knows who will be Cleveland's starting quarterback, running back or No. 1 wide receiver.