Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
Here are the most interesting stories in the AFC North:
- Despite taking a beating from Ohio State fans in Cincinnati for his comments this summer, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer wasn't shy in predicting USC to bash Ohio State, 42-17.
Morning take: There is nothing wrong with supporting your alma mater. But consider how big this game is and the way the Bengals are playing right now, this probably won't go over well in Ohio.
Morning take: A healthy McGahee gives rookie quarterback Joe Flacco yet another weapon and a chance to improve in his second start.
- This week the Cleveland Browns will be without starting safety Sean Jones, who will have arthroscopic right knee surgery Thursday.
Morning take: Jones likely will miss at least two games and possibly more. This is a big blow to a Browns secondary that is already struggling.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers special teams will be tested this week against Cleveland.
Morning take: The expected return of Browns return specialist Joshua Cribbs presents a big challenge for the Steelers. He almost beat Pittsburgh single-handedly in the previous meeting between these two teams.
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after three seasons covering the Cleveland Browns for the Columbus Dispatch. He also covered the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Cavaliers at the Dispatch. Walker grew up in Hyattsville, Md., before attending Temple University, graduating in 2001 with a B.A. in communications and mass media. He resides in the Cleveland area.
