AFC North Odds
Today we will be previewing the AFC North and taking a look at current betting odds on which team is likely to come out of the AFC North and make the NFL playoffs.
The AFC North, which has historically been one of the toughest in the NFL, had a down year last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers being the only team in the division that finished with a winning record. This year, the division is expected to be more competitive as the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals improved their rosters. Even the Cleveland Browns, who won only one game last season, are expected to be improved this year.
With that being said, here is a quick preview of the AFC North.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens started well last season, but faltered down the stretch finishing with an 8-8 record. The team lost veteran receiver Steve Smith, who retired in the offseason, but added Jeremy Maclin, who is expected to be their top receiver.
The biggest question mark going into the season is at the running back position. Last season, Terrance West led the team with 774 yards and 5 touchdowns, and the team is hoping he can emerge as their feature back this season.
The Ravens are projected to win nine games, and I believe they will win more than that this season as they return to the playoffs.
Cincinnati Bengals
Like the Ravens, the Bengals were a surprising disappointment last season, especially since they won the division the year before. The Bengals added Joe Mixon, a top rated running back that fell into their lap in the second round and are hoping having a well balanced offense will help get them back into the playoffs.
The Bengals are projected to win 8.5 games this year, and I believe they will win more than that and compete with the Ravens and Steelers for the division title.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns were the worst team in the league last season, but the good news for their fans is they really can’t be any worse than they were last year.
During the offseason, Cleveland added quarterback Brock Osweiller and drafted young defensive talent like Miles Garrett, so I expect to see a slight improvement from last season.
The Browns are projected to win 4.5 games this season, but I don’t see it happening in what will be a tough division this year.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have the talent to make it to the Super Bowl, but there are too many questions surrounding the team. Will Ben Roethlisberger be able to play the whole season? Will LeVeon Bell report to training camp on time or will he hold out for most of the season? And will Martavis Bryant stay sober this year or get suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy?
The Steelers are projected to win 10.5 games, and I can see them winning more if they have all their pieces for the whole season. If not, they likely won’t win 10 games this year.