Despite the usual off-field & on-field problems, Carson Palmer believes in his Cincinnati Bengals. So much so, that he’s predicting his team will win the AFC North.

The PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW reports that the Bengals QB was asked who he thought would come out on top of their division. And Carson feels confident in his Cats:

“Tough one to predict. I predict that we win it,” Palmer said from the Bengals’ training camp at Georgetown College. “I can’t tell you the won-loss record. Who knows? It’s a crapshoot this year.”

In addition to facing each other, the AFC North teams take on the squads from the NFC East (Cowboys, Redskins, Eagles, Giants). And Palmer admits that the division champ could someone who finishes with an 8-8 record.

Interesting that a Pittsburgh paper would report on Palmer’s prediction. (Riling up the Steelers fans, maybe?) But Carson, who’s already called out Ohio State fans, has nothing but respect for Cincy’s division rivals:

“Other than the NFC East, it’s got to be the toughest division, top to bottom,” Palmer said of the AFC North. “Especially now that Cleveland’s come so far and made the strides they have. Baltimore’s always good. Pittsburgh’s always good. I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people and be really good, fight for that division championship and hopefully a playoff spot.”

The only real surprise is if the Bengals can manage to make it through one month without having anyone show up at the Hamilton County Courthouse.