No need to even play the season

James Walker, the AFC North blogger at ESPN, rented Madden 11 this weekend and - for research purposes - simulated the 2010 season.

Here is how it unfolds -

First - Pittsburgh. They dominate at 12-4 and do what Cincy did last year - sweep the division.

Second - Cincinnati. They finish at 10-6. Ochocinco has a monster year, and Palmer goes to the Pro Bowl.

Third - Baltimore. They finish 9-7. Ray Rice gets hurt and only plays part of the season.

Fourth - Cleveland. They struggle to a 4-12 record.

Playoffs -

Cincy goes to Indianapolis and upsets them in a wild shoot out, 38-35. But their season ultimately ends as it did last year - losing to the Jets.

The Ravens beat the Steelers and then upset the Jets to go to the Super Bowl. However, their luck ends there as the Madden 11 predicts that - gulp - the Vikings will win the Super Bowl.

Let's hope only part of that simulation is correct!