Notes from the Sports Desk by Tyler Julson

 

It’s a day later than usual, but I’m still kicking out the columns.

Girls’ tennis is the only sport that has started its regular season so far in the area. Albert Lea started out losing its first two matchups and played again Thursday night after writing this column.

Next week is when the action really starts to pick up. Volleyball, boys’ and girls’ soccer, girls’ swim and dive, cross country and — of course — football, all begin next week.

With the beginning of high school sports comes the beginning of college football as well. My prediction for the Gophers is a 7-5 season with a bowl game victory. They have such a young roster with a bright future — I just think it’s still a year away.

On to the pros and my weekly installment of division-by-division breakdowns. This week, the very intriguing AFC North. In my mind, this is the most up-in-the-air division in the entire league. We’ve got the Browns, the Steelers and the Ravens … and the Bengals, I guess, but they won’t pose much of a threat in my mind.

Let’s start with the Browns, and one of the most polarizing players in the league, Baker Mayfield. The second-year quarterback goes back and forth in my mind. Do I like him? Do I not like him? I just can’t decide. Well, my feelings toward him do not determine his skill, and he is good, really good. With Mayfield, Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, and then Kareem Hunt coming back to the team in week 10, I would say it’s time for Browns fans to rejoice.

The Ravens have a solid offense as well. Lamar Jackson spent the entire 2018 season proving people wrong and now he’s got Mark Ingram, and Trace McSorley is going to be a special weapon. The offensive line led by former NIACC standout Marshal Yanda is going to be a big part of the Ravens success this season.

On to the Steelers. How much does Big Ben have left? Especially without Antonio Brown, I think he struggles this season. He will have a great offensive line to protect him, but the lack of star power on the offense is going to hurt.

Defensively, they have a lot of guys who look good on paper or have been good in the past, but need to prove themselves this season.

Lastly, the Bengals. The Bengals look like they are so good on paper. A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd, Joe Mixon, Giovani Bernard and Tyler Eifert are a stacked offensive arsenal. What keeps holding them back? Andy Dalton. How long does this guy get before the Bengals realize he isn’t the quarterback they need? Dalton needs to be on the hotseat this season. If he doesn’t produce, the Bengals need to move on.

 

Final AFC North predictions

1. Ravens 10-6

2. Browns 10-6 (wild card)

3. Steelers 9-7

4. Bengals 5-11

 

Tyler Julson is the Tribune sports reporter. Contact him at tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com.