One of the most intriguing divisions in the NFL next year, from a sports betting perspective, will be the AFC North. Last year’s champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers, have plummeted to third in the odds list to win next year. They got off to a dominant start to the season but fell apart down the stretch, losing to Cleveland in Week 17 after having clinched the division — and then losing to Cleveland again (this time at home) in the wild card playoff game. Questions surrounding Ben Roethlisberger’s ability to compete at his age have emerged. Also, the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns have strengthened their rosters more than the Steelers have. Don’t forget the Cincinnati Bengals, who have a dangerous quarterback in Joe Burrow as well as a roster that also has upgrades.
Look at the latest NFL odds for each team to win the division, as wella s our thoughts on each team.
NFL News: Picks to Win the AFC North
Team Odds
Baltimore Ravens +125
Cleveland Browns +145
Pittsburgh Steelers +400
Cincinnati Bengals +2000
Baltimore has posted a 30-7 combined record the last three seasons, making the playoffs in all three years and winning the division twice. However, the team has gone 1-3 in the playoffs those three years — scoring just five touchdowns in those games. During the regular season, Baltimore posted a +249 point differential in 2019 and it +165 a year ago. However, in the playoffs, when teams have loaded the box and dared Lamar Jackson to beat them down the field, he has not been able to do that. He ran for 1,000+ yards again last season, and J.K. Dobbins ran for 805 yards. In seven different games last year, the Ravens ran for at least 200 yards. In the playoffs, though, teams can load the box — and the Ravens haven’t adjusted. On defense, the Ravens have struggled to generate a pass rush. The 2021 schedule doesn’t help the Ravens, as they visit Pittsburgh in Week 13 and then Cleveland in Week 14 — with the Browns coming off their bye. Can the Ravens hold serve?
Cleveland finished third in the AFC North a year ago and, as a result, get to play a third-place schedule, which helps their odds tremendously. Baker Mayfield reduced his interceptions from 21 in 2019 to just 10 in 2020, and he threw 28 touchdown passes a year ago. Tailback tandem Nick Chubb (1,067 yards) and Kareem Hunt will be back to pound the ball, and Rashard Higgins, OBJ and Jarvis Landry are all healthy. The defense permitted 47 touchdowns last year, but the team will have nine new starters on defense this time around, along with Myles Garrett (12 sacks) and cornerback Denzel Ward. The Browns jump right into the season, visiting Kansas City in Week 1.
Pittsburgh started 11-0 and finished 1-4 before spotting Cleveland a 28-0 first quarter lead in their wild card matchup. Roethlisberger has lost a considerable amount of mobility and only threw for 6.3 yards per attempt. The running game was the worst in the NFL last year as the team leaned heavily on its defense. Pittsburgh drafted Najee Harris out of Alabama to carry the ball, the the O-line lost three stars, so it will be hard for him to find running room. T.J. Watt led the NFL with 15 sacks, and he is back, and linebacker Devin Bush returns from a knee injury; in 2019, he led the Steelers in tackles. PIttsburgh does play four teams coming off their byes — more than any other team in the league — which will add to their degree of difficulty.
Cincinnati finished 4-11-1 last season despite losing Joe Burrow for the season with a knee injury. The O-line is somewhat better, so Joe Mixon will have some more running room. Burrow has LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase ready to join him and run routes. The Bengals drafted three edge rushers after posting just 17 sacks in 2020. The rushing defense allowed 5.1 yards per attempt, a number that will need to drought. So while the Bengals will be fun to watch — and will snag a division win or two — it’s hard to see them contending.NFL Betting Odds
Love betting NFL football games? | Xbet Sportsbook offers up to date NFL lines
