Maybe the Bengals are the only AFC North team that can make the scoreboard blink like a Christmas tree, but that doesn’t mean the division’s only viable fantasy options are listed on the Cincinnati police blotter.

Here’s a look at the AFC North teams:

Starter: RB Willis McGahee, TE Todd Heap

Backups: QB Steve McNair, WR Derrick Mason, WR Mark Clayton

Comments: McGahee’s numbers should improve slightly from what he was able to produce in Buffalo, but don’t expect Jamal Lewis-in-his-prime-type production. Heap is a top-flight tight end. McNair and the passing attack is not formidable. Clayton stands the best chance for a breakout season, but we’re not holding our breath.

TE: We feel just as comfortable with Heap as any other TE out there not named Antonio Gates.

PK: Matt Stover should benefit from a better running game. He’ll have more chances to score.

DEF: Still a top-notch unit. But if that early run on defenses comes in rounds 8-10, it’s still too early.

Starters: QB Carson Palmer, RB Rudi Johnson, WR Chad Johnson, WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Backup: WR Antonio Chatham, WR Chris Henry

Comments: A third WR option will develop during the season while Henry serves his eight-game suspension. We think it’s most likely to be Chatham, but don’t count out Tab Perry. Once Henry returns, he can still catch balls.

TE: Reggie Kelly and Co. don’t get much attention from Palmer.

PK: Shayne Graham’s opportunties alone keep him among the best kicking options.

DEF: Have been among the league leaders in takeaways for three years running. A nice value pick late.

Starters: WR Braylon Edwards, TE Kellen Winslow

Backups: RB Jamal Lewis, WR Joe Jurevicius

Comments: Don’t buy into QB Brady Quinn at this point, except keeper leagues. Fellow QBs Derek Anderson or Charlie Frye haven’t given us reason for hope, either. We do think whoever is throwing the ball will have a couple of quality targets, but Edwards and Winslow should be considered “soft” starters. You may want to platoon these guys according to matchups. Lewis should get drafted on name alone, and that’s about all he has to offer at this point. He’s worth a late-middle pick as a fourth RB, but that’s about it.

TE: Winslow is too talented not to produce something, if he can stay healthy.

PK: There’s nothing wrong with Phil Dawson. He’s got a strong leg and he’s accurate. He just doesn’t get a lot of chances.

DEF: Middle of the pack to just below average

Starters: RB Willie Parker, WR Hines Ward, TE Heath Miller

Backup: QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Santonio Holmes

Comments: Big Ben has a big name, but his fantasy numbers don’t support a starting gig on your team. Holmes is worth a spot in deeper leagues, where you can wait it out a bit to see if he blossoms this season.

TE: Miller could have a breakout year, and is a great find in later rounds.

PK: Jeff Reed doesn’t have the strongest leg, and if his offense struggles as it did last year, he may not have a lot of opportunties.

DEF: A down year by Steelers standards last year (at least in fantasy numbers). Expect a bit of a rebound, meaning they could be a nice value in rounds 11-13.

dloftis@nypost.com