Have you had a slip of the Cleveland Kool-Aid yet? It’s now fully available and has been sampled be yours truly. I said it in my previous review of the AFC North, Cleveland will win their Division. After watching them today, I still feel true to my previous prediction. Yes, the first two slipped away, yet due to injuries the Cleveland Browns have found their Quarterback. Colt McCoy has shown that he can lead this team. The exception of a Chansi Stuckey fumble on a 3rd Punt attempt, Colt might have been 3-0 against 3 of the Elite in the NFL. He has figured out how to manage games. Brian Daboll, Cleveland’s Offensive Coordinator, has taken off the handcuffs and is now fully using all parts of the Cleveland playbook. We haven’t seen it all, but Daboll is giving McCoy a lot to work with, especially given their past young Quarterbacks.

On top of Colt McCoy’s tremendous play comes the little known til this year, Peyton Hillis. Hillis has become the Beast of the AFC. His physical running style is now feared throughout the league. It has given an identity to this young Cleveland Browns’ Offense. Hillis has 644 yards this season on 133 carries through 8 games bringing smash mouth football back to the Browns. Peyton’s success has given the opportunity for Cleveland to develop their young, inexperienced receiving corp into a serviceable group.

The Cleveland Browns true identity lies within Rob Ryan’s Defense, for without them the Browns would not have been in every game this year. Yes, they lost leads in the fourth quarter in the seasons first two games, but with a resurgence of confidence from the Offense, the Browns now have figured out how to close games. Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady all have had problems recognizing the Defensive responsibilities due to Ryan’s creative Amoeba Defense. The additions of Sheldon Brown, Chris Gocong, and Scott Fujita have proven to be more than locker room leaders, they are the ring leaders of this Defensive Chaos first developed by Buddy Ryan, and now redefined by his son Rob. Their knowledge of the game has made the transition for rookies T.J. Ward(S) and Joe Haden(CB) into impactful, positive experiences.

Head coach, Eric Mangini, entered this year riding a four game winning streak, and new football czar, Mike Holmgren, looking over his shoulder. The unfortunate two loss start already had Cleveland fans calling for the likes of Holmgren, Jon Gruden, even Bill Cowher to take over. Mangini has stayed the course, selling his system and now finally seeing the results. A continuation of success will only secure his job and prove once again that a solid group of his type of players can compete at a winning level in the NFL. Eric Mangini built the nucleus of the New York Jets for Rex Ryan, even helping them to secure Mark Sanchez, and gift rapping Braylon Edwards. This upcoming Sunday the Jets will learn just how much they lost when they lost Mangini.

On November 7th, 1995 the Cleveland Browns fans voted to raise $175 million to renovate Cleveland Municipal Stadium for Art Modell. We all remember what happened from then on! Fifteen years to the day later, the Cleveland Browns announced to the NFL that they are back, by whooping the NFL leading New England Patriots 34-14. Thanks to Roger Goodell, the last two games of the season will mean something, with both Baltimore and Pittsburgh coming to Cleveland to finish out the season.

In 2002, the Browns needed their last two games against Baltimore and Atlanta to clinch the Wild Card berth. In 1988, on a snow filled day, the Browns beat the then Houston Oilers to clinch a home Wild Card game against the same Oilers. It’s in our history here in Cleveland, and now the fans once again Believe in Cleveland, as our team has grown to Believe within themselves.

Now that the Minnesota Vikings have waived Randy Moss who will benefit most from the addition of the Headache Wide Receiver? The hefty price tag, the off plays, and the mouth of the veteran will all be included in his next stop. So is your team ready to take on this kind of plague or is the risk too much for the potential short term rental? Let’s Break it Down:

The Most Likely Stops:

Buffalo Bills(Waiver #1): The Bills at 0-7 could definitely use the talents of Moss. The price tag will not be the deterrent here, and neither should be the gamble. Ryan Fitzpatrick would get a solid #1 receiver to help the development of Steve Johnson, and the running game might also open up with the presence of Moss. The absence of a strong nucleus of team leaders might be the one reason to pass, the overall #1 Draft Choice might be the other. I give the Bills about a 90% chance of adding Randy.
Carolina Panthers(W #2): Even with Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams, the Panthers are in need of big time Play-makers. The youth movement and the money might prevent them from acquiring Moss. Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen both will probably be in favor of the pick up, that being said Carolina’s chances sit at 80%.
San Francisco 49ers(W #4): Expectations of the Playoffs looking grim at 2-6, and a new Quarterback in Troy Smith at least for the time being, San Francisco might be salivating. If Randy could help right the ship, I can see no reason not to gamble. Mike Singletary will be on his way out if the Niners can’t pull it together, so the 49ers seem the best destination for both Moss and the Team, 95% Chance.
Cleveland Browns(W #9): Cleveland has the one the NFL’s worst receiving corps, yet Coach Eric Mangini desires men that fit his program. The departures of the likes of Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow have already shown that Mangini prefers less headaches over talent. The addition of an unsettled Quarterback position also hurts Cleveland’s chances, I say 78%.
Arizona Cardinals(W #11): Steve Breaston has been injured so returning as the slot receiver might help. Derek Anderson is still a bum, so rookie Max Hall needs help desperately to compliment Larry Fitzgerald. Arizona still is in the race so Fitzgerald’s relationship with Moss might make this actually happen, if San Francisco passes, the Cardinals would look about 93% and keeping Moss from Seattle.
St. Louis Rams(W #16): The Rams are sitting at 4-4 with no true #1 receiver. Sam Bradford looks to be the real deal with what he has left in play-makers. Adding Moss to the mix could help the worst team last year cement a Playoff run. Chances are 89%.

On Top of the Bubble:

Jacksonville Jaguars(W #12): The Jags are in need of legitimate receivers through and through. David Garrard’s strength is not his deep pass. The money is probably the biggest hurdle for Jacksonville to overcome. So give the Jags about a 71% chance.
Washington Redskins(W #15): Dan Snyder will pay, but would another Alpha Dog sit well with Coach Mike Shanahan. McNabb and T.O. got to the Superbowl, could Moss and McNabb do the same? Ego’s aside Moss might just give them the added threat to a least reach the Playoffs. Chances are 73%.
Seattle Seahawks(W #16): Pete Carroll already tried for a big play-maker and was unable to pull Vincent Jackson from the Chargers. Getting Moss seems almost a done deal. Yet what Seattle has going is working somewhat, so why take a chance of messing with their growing chemistry? If he falls to the the Seahawks it would be about 72%.
Kansas City Chiefs(W #25): There are ties with Moss and Scott Pioli. They might be New England West as Moss is concerned. The need is definitely there, and the Chiefs will gamble on older players. At 5-2 the Chiefs are in the driver’s seat and the addition of Moss might be the extra Nitro they need. 70% is where I see them.

The Other Possible Stops:

Miami Dolphins(W #18): Even with the addition of Brandon Marshall the Dolphins still are having problems getting into the end zone. Plus by grabbing Moss, they keep him from the Jets and Patriots. Chances are 65%.
Chicago Bears(W #17): Mike Martz offense, with Jay Cutler throwing the long ball, seems like a win win. Chicago has spent a ton of money already this year, so why not a few million more? Chance are 62%.
Atlanta Falcons(W #29): Roddy White is a beast, and Mike Jenkins is more than serviceable running mate. The extra weapon would help but might not be that necessary. I give the Falcons a 60% chance.
Houston Texans(W #23): Chemistry will be the hardest thing to overcome with the Texans. Andre Johnson is the best receiver in the NFL, and has the desire to play not talk. Moss as a weapon might help the Texans supersede the Colts as division winners, so there is a huge upside. Texans get a 59% chance.
New York Jets(W #30): Rex Ryan might just claim Moss to keep him from returning back to New England, Period. There is no huge need for his services, yet the Jets have been willing to gamble in the past; Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. The Jets chances are 52%.
New England Patriots(W #32): Everyone would have to pass and New England would be seeing that they could resign him for a minimum price and stick the Vikings with the unpaid contract. If he falls this far I’d say New England chances would be 80%.

The remaining teams will all get the grade of 7% seeing it’s possible but highly unlikely.

Dallas Cowboys
Denver Broncos
Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings
Cincinnati Bengals
San Diego Charges
Oakland Raiders
Philadelphia Eagles

Green Bay Packers
New Orleans Saints
Tennessee Titans
Indianapolis Colts
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New York Giants
Baltimore Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC North

2009 Regular Season Standings:

Cincinnati Bengals: 10-6
Baltimore Ravens: 9-7
Pittsburgh Steelers: 9-7
Cleveland Browns: 5-11

Cincinnati Bengals: Marvin Lewis has finally given Carson Palmer everything he should need. Terrell Owens, Antonio Bryant, Jermaine Gresham (1st Round Pick, TE), Jordan Shipley, and Dezmon Briscoe all to compliment Chad Ochocinco and Cedric Benson. Sounds like Cincinnati is out to have back to back winning seasons. That is if they can all find their roles, gel, and Benson isn’t suspended. Defense will be stout again. Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga need help from the D-Line to be more effective linebackers. Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph lead the excellent Secondary, but the middle of their schedule kills their chances, 8-8.

Baltimore Ravens: In this year’s draft the Ravens filled needs at Linebacker with Sergio Kindle. Terrence Cody to sure up the Defensive front, Ed Dickson to upgrade Todd Heap. They nabbed Anquan Boldin formerly of the Arizona Cardinals, giving Joe Flacco another proven play-maker. Problem with Baltimore now is their Secondary. Ed Reed, Lardarius Webb, and Fabian Washington are all coming back from injures, and the Ravens depth is just not their. Terrell Suggs promises to be better than his off year last year, so we’ll see. Even with Ray Rice improving, Baltimore can only claw it’s way to 8-8.

Pittsburgh Steelers: What do Antwaan Randle El, James Farrior, and Bryant McFadden have in common? They are all back in Pittsburgh for another go round. The Steelers drafted Ben Roethlisberger his Center of the future, Maurkice Pouncey, but Big Ben won’t be there for his first four games at least. Mike Wallace has to now take over a primary role at receiver for the jettisoned Santonio Holmes. Rashard Mendenhall will have to carry the Steelers often throughout this season, and that might be to much. The addition of Jason Worilds to the Defensive front could be a plus, and the Linebacking core are better than solid. Pittsburgh’s biggest problem will be their Secondary with their best addition being McFadden. Troy Polamalu could return as healthy as ever yet the Steelers will be over matched in a pass happy league. They take their bumps at 7-9.

Cleveland Browns: The Cleveland Browns enter this year under the new watchful eye of Mike Holmgren. Holmgren decided to keep Eric Mangini but overhauled the quarterback position adding Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace, and Colt McCoy(3rd Round Pick). Holmgren stressed that the Quarterback was the most important part, so Mangini heard: Stop the Quarterback. The Browns traded for Sheldon Brown, to help under-rated Eric Wright. They also drafted three more improvements for the Secondary including #7 pick Joe Haden. Defensively the Browns are deepest at Linebacker, grabbing Free Agent Scott Fujita from the Champion, Saints. Cleveland has a solid Offensive Line anchored by Joe Thomas. Jerome Harrison was a beast at the end of last year, but the Browns got him help in Montario Hardesty. That will be the biggest battle in camp with six backs all looking for touches. Jake Delhomme will rebound from last year and improves Cleveland’s Air Assault. Unknown, under estimated, and fueled off the high of winning the last four last year, the Browns surprise finishing 9-7.

2010 Regular Season Standings:

Cleveland Browns: 9-7
Baltimore Ravens: 8-8
Cincinnati Bengals: 8-8
Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-9