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Baltimore Ravens

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said the team is not interested in Peyton Manning, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Would Randy Moss be a fit for the Ravens? John Eisenberg of CSNWashington.com mulls it over.

Cincinnati Bengals

Fullback Chris Pressley agreed to a two-year extension, Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes.

Time is running out for the Bengals to re-sign safety Reggie Nelson.

Reedy also wonders if former local high school standout Luke Kuechly could fall to the Bengals in April's draft.

Cleveland Browns

How will Peyton Manning's release affect the Browns and a possible trade up to No. 2 in the draft to select Robert Griffin III? Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer runs through the scenarios.

Joe Haden and Joe Thomas are in the running to don the cover of "Madden NFL 13."

Pittsburgh Steelers

Four veteran Steelers -- Hines Ward, Aaron Smith, James Farrior and Chris Kemoeatu -- have been officially released, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert shot down the perception that team president Art Rooney II has taken a more active role in football decisions.

Some believe it was Rooney's decision -- and not coach Mike Tomlin's -- to part ways with Bruce Arians as offensive coordinator and hire Todd Haley to replace him.

"Art Rooney obviously is the owner of the team and the president of the team," Colbert said, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Of course he's going to be in the loop on every decision as any chief operating officer would be of any corporation. I think to say he is meddlesome or dictating every decision I think is very inaccurate."

Colbert said, "A lot of decisions are made around here with a collective effort and, in our end, when we're talking about players, it's a collective effort between myself, coach Tomlin and Art, and that's the way we do business."

Hensley's slant: I'm not sure Colbert would have acknowledged Rooney as being meddlesome even if he has been asserting more influence. It was telling that Rooney was the one who first informed Arians that his contract wasn't not being renewed and not Tomlin. You can't fault Rooney for making decisions that he thinks is best for his team. I certainly would do the same. The only concern is whether he is taking away Tomlin's power in doing so.

BENGALS: Former Raiders cornerback Stanford Routt is scheduled to visit Cincinnati on Friday, according to NFL Network. Routt remained in Kansas City for a second day of meetings and is still talking to the Buffalo Bills. Routt was released last week just one year into a five-year, $54.5 million contract, ending his seven-year tenure in Oakland. Hensley's slant: The Bengals are in need of cornerback depth because Kelly Jennings and Adam Jones are both free agents and Leon Hall is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury. It was assumed that the Bengals would address cornerback in the draft. But Routt would be an upgrade over Jennings and Jones and could press Nate Clements for his starting job.

BROWNS: Cleveland remains uncertain on Peyton Hillis' future with the team, according to CBSSports.com. Some in the organization want to re-sign the running back, but others want to go in a different direction and draft Alabama's Trent Richardson, the website reported. Hensley's slant: I've said for months that I think it's in the Browns' best interest as far as team chemistry to part ways with Hillis. But, even if the Browns keep him, they should still look to address running back in the draft. The Browns wouldn't be signing Hillis to a long-term deal and they can't have much faith in backup Montario Hardesty, who is constantly injured.

RAVENS: The Baltimore Sun's Mike Preston says wide receiver Randy Moss wouldn't be bad for the Ravens for a year or two. "At the right price, I wouldn't mind seeing him line up opposite Torrey Smith with Anquan Boldin in the slot," Preston wrote. "The Ravens had similar plans for Lee Evans last year, but he spent most of 2011 on the sideline with a high ankle sprain." Hensley's slant: If Moss is motivated, there is no doubt that he would help the Ravens. But that's a big "if." I'm not sure he can bounce back like he did in 2007. Remember, three teams gave up on Moss in 2010. He reportedly wore down the patience of Tom Brady in New England, undermined then-head coach Brad Childress in Minnesota and never showed up on the field in Tennessee.

Wide receiver Randy Moss made a special announcement on his birthday: He plans to end his brief retirement and return to football.

Moss, who turned 35 today, might find an interested team somewhere in the NFL but I don't expect him to land in the AFC North. This is a division where three teams need to add wide receiver help either in free agency or the draft. But adding Moss is a gamble because of his attitude. Here are my team-by-team breakdowns on why I don't see Moss coming to the AFC North:

BENGALS: The Bengals desperately need a No. 2 wide receiver, and they're expected to sign one in free agency. But the distractions that a moody Moss brings wouldn't be a positive influence on an offense with a young quarterback and young No. 1 wide receiver. The Bengals talked about improved locker room chemistry when they traded away Chad Ochocinco and didn't re-sign Terrell Owens. They don't want to go down that road again.

BROWNS: Moss would provide what Cleveland really needs: a downfield threat. But the Browns will be among the last places that Moss will end up because of new offensive coordinator Brad Childress. It was two years ago when Childress abruptly cut Moss in Minnesota after four games (and after trading a third-round pick to the Patriots).“We had good guys, by and large, [but Moss] walked in the locker room and vomited on it," Childress later said about Moss. So, scratch the Browns off the list.

RAVENS: Baltimore needs a No. 3 receiver behind Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith, so the Ravens could be among the teams linked to Moss. I just don't see him adding anything to the Ravens. His strength is stretching the field. The Ravens, though, already have a younger and faster version of that in Smith. Baltimore has tried going with a declining veteran to fill the No. 3 spot before with T.J. Houshmandzadeh in 2010 and Lee Evans in 2011. Both failed miserably. The Ravens should learn from their mistakes.

STEELERS: The Steelers already have their hands full in deciding what to do with one veteran wide receiver, (Hines Ward). Bringing in Moss makes no sense. Pittsburgh is the one team in the division that is set with its top three wide receivers: Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders. There's a higher chance of the Steelers signing Jerricho Cotchery than Moss.

BALTIMORE -- The Ravens find themselves leading the AFC North race because of the speed of Torrey Smith.

The second-round pick is the wide receiver Baltimore has been desperately searching for over the past decade. Smith is fast. He's a playmaker.

Smith was the difference in the Ravens winning and losing at Pittsburgh. He was the difference between the Ravens losing to the Bengals last season and beating them 31-24 on Sunday.

"In past years, they've been able to put some pressure on us with their coverage, lock us up pretty tightly, and get some pressure with their front four," Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco said. "But with Torrey out there, he definitely has the speed and can hurt them in man-to-man coverage. That helped us out today."

With the game tied at 7-7 in the second quarter, Smith burst past Cincinnati cornerback Nate Clements down the right sideline for a 49-yard over-the-shoulder catch, which set up the go-ahead touchdown. His 38-yard touchdown grab early in the fourth quarter-- which came with him beating a cornerback and splitting two safeties -- put Baltimore up 31-14.

Smith is fast learning how to handle the ups and downs of a first season in the NFL. He's made some big drops, but he's always responded with bigger catches.

The dangerous part of Smith's game is that his confidence is at an all-time high. It was apparent in the huddle right before his fourth-quarter touchdown.

"We all knew it was time for us to get seven," Smith said. "We knew what type of play it was."

Thanks to Smith's six catches for 165 yards, the Ravens (7-3) are in first place and control their playoff fate. They have the same record as the Steelers but hold the tiebreaker advantage by having swept them.

To elevate themselves past the Steelers, the Ravens made it a priority to find a wide receiver to complement Flacco's big arm, which has been the one blemish on the team's spectacular draft résumé. The Ravens have drafted 16 wide receivers -- from Patrick Johnson to Travis Taylor to Mark Clayton -- and none became consistent downfield threats.

Baltimore had to look to free agency to find wide receivers. Defenses respected the likes of Derrick Mason and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, but they fear Smith.

His 27.5 yards-per-catch Sunday should cause the Bengals defensive backs to pull out their hair -- instead of pulling Smith down by his.

"I think we did envision the type of player he was going to be," coach John Harbaugh said. "That's why we drafted him."

Before the season began, if you saw Smith's statistics for the Bengals-Ravens game, you would have expected A.J. Green or Lee Evans to put up those numbers. But Green was inactive with a knee injury, and Evans has been surpassed by Smith on the depth chart because of an ankle injury.

While Green and Atlanta's Julio Jones have garnered most of the attention when it comes to rookie receivers, Smith is starting to close the gap on them after posting the top two receiving performances by a rookie (as far as receiving yards) this season.

He now has two games of at least 150 yards receiving during his rookie season. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the only other rookies in the past 15 years to accomplish this are Randy Moss with the Vikings in 1998 and Marques Colston with the Saints in 2006.

"He's been a guy that we thought could go get the deep ball," Harbaugh said, "He kind of put it in another gear at the end and go chase down a ball."

Smith's speed is different than what Pittsburgh's Mike Wallace shows on the field, according to former NFL wide receiver Qadry Ismail, who is on the Ravens' radio team. Ismail said Wallace accelerates immediately off the line, whereas Smith has that burst at the end to separate from receivers.

Flacco has gotten a feel for Smith's speed and has now thrown four touchdowns over 20 yards to Smith. He hasn't thrown more than three such touchdowns to any receiver in his previous three seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

"Like I've always said, when the ball is in the air, he can separate," Flacco said.

That separation has led to some desperation for opponents. At one point, the Bengals saved a touchdown late in the second quarter when Adam Jones pulled Smith down by grabbing his hair. It's not a penalty because that's considered part of Smith's uniform.

Smith said it didn't hurt.

"I was surprised by it," Smith said. "It actually felt like I was getting pulled down by my jersey."

Is a new haircut in order?

"I honestly thought about it, but my grandma likes it a little too much," he said. "I'm a mama and grandmama's boy, at least for now."

Smith did provide a new look for the Ravens' passing attack against Cincinnati. Flacco has long struggled against the Bengals and their Cover-2 defense, averaging 178 yards passing in going 3-3 against them. Smith nearly matched that passing average by himself.

Some could argue that Smith's production earlier this season caught defenses by surprise. But defensive backs know about Smith now and they're still having trouble containing him.

His 165 yards receiving is third-highest for a Ravens receiver and is the most allowed by Cincinnati this season.

"Coming into the game, we knew he was a guy who could stretch the field," Clements said. "We just had to take away his strength and make him go elsewhere. We didn't do that today, and he made us pay for that."

Bengals-Ravens notes

Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed made a bizarre shout-out at a postgame session with reporters when asked about Jimmy Smith fumbling after making his first career interception. "It reminds me of my rookie year, they slapped it out of my hands and it wound up going back to him. But I’m glad we got it back," Reed said. "I’m kind of surprised you haven’t asked me about the Presidents Cup, though. Congratulations to those guys, Fred Couples and our team. That was huge." Never knew Reed was such a huge golf fan. ... Former kicker Matt Stover became the sixth member of the Ravens organization to be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor. ... George Clooney was spotted at Sunday's game between the Ravens and Bengals. He's dating Baltimore native Stacy Keibler. Yes, this isn't football-related. But this has to be the first time a movie star ever attended a Ravens-Bengals game, right?

Here is an update on the latest happenings Wednesday evening in the AFC North:

• The Buffalo Bills claimed linebacker Shawne Merriman off waivers. The Baltimore Ravens would have shown interest if Merriman wasn't picked up.
• The Cleveland Browns didn't put a waiver claim on embattled receiver Randy Moss, who landed with the Tennessee Titans.
• Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over his big hits.
• Cincinnati Bengals receiver Jerome Simpson is still trying to learn the pro game.

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren met with the media Tuesday to discuss the state of the team.

With a quarterback controversy, questions at head coach and the team at 2-5, there were plenty of topics to address. Here were some highlights:

• Let's start with the question on everyone's mind: Who will Cleveland start at quarterback between Colt McCoy, Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme? Holmgren rarely dodges questions. But he avoided this one Tuesday, deferring to Browns coach Eric Mangini.

"That's a question I'm not going to answer," Holmgren said. "That's a coaching decision."

• Unsurprisingly, embattled receiver Randy Moss is not on Cleveland's radar. Holmgren admits he would like more production from his receivers, but it's more important for the Browns to develop players they have on their roster.
• In terms of the future of Mangini, Holmgren strongly hinted that he likely won't make a decision until the season is over. Cleveland is 2-5, but the team is playing hard for Mangini, who is 7-16 since joining the Browns.

"The important point there is I think any coach, any staff, will be judged at the end of season," Holmgren said. "It will take thoughtful thinking ... I think it's important that you take some of the emotion out of it if you can. At the end of the year, everyone catches their breath a little bit, think about it and hopefully make a thoughtful decision."

• Holmgren said former starting running back Jerome Harrison was increasingly unhappy with his role in Cleveland, and that led to his trade to the Philadelphia Eagles. Holmgren said Harrison is a good person and there are no hard feelings, but it was best for Harrison to get a fresh start.
• In terms of possibly coaching again, Holmgren said he's happy with his role as president but it's tough sitting still on Sundays.

"Does it sound like I want to coach?" Holmgren said, prompting laughter. "I'm doing OK. The challenge of this is really something. I'm enjoying the challenge. But I'd be less than honest if I didn't say I get fired up watching the games. I did that for too long. But I also recognize what I was hired to do."

The Minnesota Vikings have decided to waive talented and controversial receiver Randy Moss, a surprising move . Moss and his prorated $6.4 million salary are available for the team that wants to claim him.

Would a team in the AFC North jump at the chance to land this future Hall of Fame receiver? Don't hold your breath.

Here is a look at each team's receiver position:

• Cleveland Browns: Strictly from a talent standpoint, the Browns are the division team that can use Moss the most. The Browns have the NFL's worst receiving corps; it lacks experience and talent. But when you factor in the money involved, Cleveland's 2-5 record, and the huge distraction Moss could cause, it's not worth the risk. If Moss wasn’t happy in Minnesota, he definitely wouldn't be happy in Cleveland. The Browns have less talent and no proven quarterback. Moss played with quarterbacks Tom Brady and Brett Favre this season. Do you really think he would give his best effort for Seneca Wallace or Colt McCoy? I don't see it.
• Cincinnati Bengals: As the last-place team in the AFC North, the Bengals have the first waiver claim in the division. Although the trio of Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens and Randy Moss would generate a buzz, the Bengals are already out of the playoff hunt. At 2-5, Cincinnati would have to go 8-1 in its last nine games to have a legit shot at the playoffs in a deep AFC. That's not happening. Plus, the Bengals are unlikely to pay Moss' high salary.
• Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens believe in the right player for the right price, and the going rate for Moss is too high for Baltimore. The Ravens made a run on veteran receivers this offseason by acquiring Anquan Boldin, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Donte' Stallworth. But I don't see Baltimore making another big-name acquisition this late in the season. There aren't enough balls to go around in Baltimore as it is. The team is off to a 5-2 start and is a Super Bowl contender without Moss. There's no need to disrupt that chemistry.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: This is the least likely AFC North team to put a waiver claim on Moss. Receiver is not a position of need and Moss doesn't fit the culture in Pittsburgh. The Steelers rarely make big-money moves during the season, and this would be completely out of character. There is virtually no chance of this happening.

Overall, don't expect Moss to land in the AFC North. The contenders in the division don't need him, and the cost and risks aren't worth it for the two Ohio teams.

Here are some thoughts on the New England Patriots' overtime victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

What it means: The Patriots got revenge against Baltimore after losing to the Ravens in last year's wild-card game. New England (4-1) maintained its status as a legit contender in the AFC despite trading future Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss. Baltimore (4-2) had its three-game winning streak snapped and now drops out of first place in the AFC North as the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) lead by a half of a game.

What I liked: Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco played very well in a big road game, throwing for 285 yards and two touchdowns. His two touchdown passes were to receiver Anquan Boldin and tight end Todd Heap, and Flacco's passer rating was 119.3. Baltimore receiver Derrick Mason also had his best game of the year, catching eight passes for 100 yards.

What I didn't like: Baltimore blew a 20-10 lead in the fourth quarter and allowed 13 straight points to New England. The offense stalled and the defense failed to make key stops as New England's offense warmed up late in the game. The Ravens are rarely blow leads late in the game, but the Patriots also deserve credit for showing a lot of heart to come from behind.

What's next: After a tough road contest, the Ravens will have a much easier matchup next week against the winless Buffalo Bills (0-5). Although this loss will sting Baltimore, the team has a very good chance to bounce back and enter its bye week 5-2, which is a solid start to the 2010 season.

Earlier this week we had another heated "Take your pick" in the AFC North blog. We asked who will win Sunday's high-profile game between the Baltimore Ravens (4-1) and New England Patriots (3-1)?

Here is a sample of responses from our division inbox and AFC North Twitter:

Ravens all day!

Gabe from LA writes: Ravens win, but Tom Brady will keep it close. In all honesty the Pats have overachieved. Their offense is not the same without Randy Moss. NE is just a glorified Denver, and only because they have a better QB. Pats' defense is young and will make mistakes.

Brandon Crawford from Sykesville, Md., writes: You have to go with the Ravens on this one. Plain and simple they're the better team. Last year in the playoffs the Ravens dominated the Patriots with more on the line. Now with the Ravens improving every week and many questions about the Patriots' offense, I see it going no other way than what it did in the playoffs.

The_blueprint via Twitter writes: Bill Belichick is already thinking about next year (via draft pics), and so should the NE fan base. Baltimore by 10.

Cooper from Baltimore writes: I'll take the Ravens, not just because I'm a fan. The Ravens proved they can go to Foxborough and win when it counts. This game counts because a win gives a much needed extension on the early division lead.

HoldenGatsby via Twitter writes: We have watched Joe Flacco mature as a QB throughout this season so far, and he's only going to get better. Ravens, 27-20.

Patriots roll!

Katie from Pittsburgh writes: I think it is going to be a tough week for the Ravens. Everyone has been talking about how much Flacco grew up in the Steelers game. Now we're going to see whether or not that is true. You can almost guarantee the Pats will stack the box to protect against the three-headed monster. It'll be up to Flacco and his receiving corps to win this game. And nobody can forget the way the Ravens went into Foxborough in the playoffs and decimated the Pats. I can guarantee you they haven't.

Laner815 via Twitter writes: After seeing the determination of the Pats vs. Miami, I think Belichick and Brady will find a way to win. I say 20-17 Pats.

Hal Martin from Scottsdale, Arizona, writes: I am a huge Ravens fan and think they are going to the Super Bowl and winning this year. But give Belichick and Brady two weeks to prepare and they could beat any team in NFL history. Ravens lose squeaker. Road wins already at Pitt, at Jets, at Pats is asking too much with bye, even for the best team in the NFL.

Barker_ja via Twitter writes: Patriots by 13. Flacco is overrated and everyone will finally see it. Even though they already saw it against Cincinnati.

WrecklessLove via Twitter writes: Ravens are playing great football right now, but the Steeler fan in me is ready for their self-destruction. NE by 9.

AFC North final say

James Walker: Coming off another solid week, "Walker's AFC North picks" is coming up next. Find out who wins this game and the matchup between the Cleveland Browns (1-4) and Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1).

There are plenty of great NFL games in Week 6. But one I'm really looking forward to is Sunday's battle between the Baltimore Ravens (4-1) and New England Patriots (3-1).

It's a matchup of two AFC contenders that don't like each other due to some recent high-stakes games. Last year Baltimore knocked New England out of the playoffs in the wild-card round.

But in this week's "Take your pick," we ask our community which team will win on Sunday? Can the Ravens take advantage of Randy Moss leaving New England and win their second straight game in Gillette Stadium? Or will quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots, coming off the bye week, knock off the Ravens with two weeks to prepare for this game?

It should be tough one. So take your pick and share your thoughts below, or to our division inbox and AFC North Twitter. We will run the best responses throughout the week.

BALTIMORE -- Here are early thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens' 31-17 victory over the Denver Broncos.

What it means: The Ravens are 4-1 and remain in first place in the AFC North. What is scary is there's still a few areas Baltimore can tighten up, which we will get to below. You get the sense the ceiling may be even higher for this group.

What I liked: Since 2005, the Ravens were just 3-6 after games against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But Baltimore showed no signs of a hangover by jumping to a 17-0 lead, which was more than enough to cruise to the victory. The Ravens physically pounded Denver into submission by running the ball well and stopping the run. Baltimore had four rushing touchdowns by three different players: Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and Joe Flacco.

What I didn't like: The Ravens' pass defense entered the game No. 1 in the NFL but struggled against Denver, which was the No. 1 passing offense. Baltimore allowed several big plays, the biggest a 42-yard touchdown reception by Brandon Lloyd before halftime. Lloyd caught a 44-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

Underrated player: Baltimore kicker Billy Cundiff nullified Denver's return game by booting four of six kickoffs deep in the end zone for touchbacks. One kick that was returned was fumbled by Denver receiver Demaryius Thomas. Cundiff also made a 37-yard field goal.

What's next: The Ravens will be in a high-profile game next week against the New England Patriots (3-1). It's a rematch of last season's wild-card playoff game. But there is an interesting wrinkle, because it's New England’s first game this year without future Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss, who was recently traded to the Minnesota Vikings. The Patriots will have two weeks to prepare for the Ravens and get their offense together for life without Moss.

Here are the most interesting stories Thursday in the AFC North:

• Cincinnati Bengals receiver Terrell Owens says the Randy Moss trade is further proof NFL teams view players as "expendable."

Morning take: Owens has a point. Although there were several reported factors going on behind the scenes with Moss, very few players are beyond being traded or released at some point in their careers. It’s a tough business.

• Speaking of Moss, the Cleveland Browns (1-3) were never involved in trade talks with the New England Patriots.

Morning take: Bill Belichick sending a future Hall of Famer to help Eric Mangini? I don't see it.

• Continuing our Moss theme, the Steelers are happy to see him leave the AFC.

Morning take: The Patriots were a huge thorn in the side of Pittsburgh as both teams competed for Super Bowls this past decade. With Moss gone, New England likely dropped out of the title race for this season.

• In a non-Moss related item, Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl tailback Ray Rice is ready to resume a leading role after his recent knee injury.

Morning take: I talked to Rice after the win over Pittsburgh and he said he will be fine. Fantasy owners don't give up on Rice yet.

There has to be a sigh of relief coming from several defensive backs in the AFC North. Three division teams caught a break Wednesday as the New England Patriots traded future Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss to the Minnesota Vikings.


Not only does Moss leave the AFC, but the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns all get to face the Patriots this year without one of the league's best deep threats. New England's next game -- the first this season without Moss -- will be Oct. 17 against Baltimore. It will be a rematch of last season's wild-card victory by the Ravens.

The Patriots also play the Browns on Nov. 7 and the Steelers a week later on Nov. 14. Moss caught five passes for 59 yards in New England's 38-24 win against the Bengals in Week 1.

New England's passing game is not nearly as dynamic without Moss. Wes Welker, Brandon Tate and Julian Edelman now highlight the Patriots' receiving corps.

This trade definitely hurts the Patriots (3-1) in their quest to reach the Super Bowl. The AFC is deep, and the AFC North also has at least two teams --Baltimore (3-1) and Pittsburgh (3-1) -- considered strong title contenders. It could only help teams like the Ravens and Steelers if one playoff contender makes itself less formidable with a huge in-season trade.

ESPN analysts Tedy Bruschi, Mark Schlereth and Matthew Berry break down the top things to watch for in Sunday's regular-season opener between the New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals in Gillette Stadium.

It's no secret that the AFC North is known for its defense. But this season the division also has two of the most productive reciever tandems in the entire league.

Receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco of the Cincinnati Bengals and Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason of the Baltimore Ravens rank second and third, respectively, in career receptions among active teammates. Both duos will play together for the first time this season after a blockbuster trade by Baltimore to land Boldin, and Cincinnati's high-profile signing of Owens this summer.

Both teams have a lot of depth at receiver, which is one reason Baltimore and Cincinnati are preseason favorites to win the AFC North.

Will these pairings lead their teams to the playoffs? Time will tell.