Ravens Look to Repeat in Tough AFC North

It is the toughest and roughest division in football and despite having a couple of elite teams, the

AFC North could be won by any of the four teams. Can Baltimore continue its recent

dominance or can the Bengals return to the king of the division? We’ll break down those two

favorites, but also see if there is any value with Cleveland or Pittsburgh in one of the most

competitive divisions in the NFL.

Baltimore Ravens +140

The Ravens had the best record in football last season but stumbled in the playoffs, yet again.

They do have one of the most balanced rosters in the league and added running back Derrick

Henry to complement reigning MVP Lamar Jackson in the backfield. Baltimore were at, or near

the top of many categories but there are some questions on defense. The Ravens lost

defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, who is the Seahawks new head coach. Patrick Queen

signed with Pittsburgh and Jadeveon Clowney went to Carolina. Cornerback Ronald Darby and

safety Geno Stone also left. Repeating a 13 win season will be difficult especially playing six

tough divisional games. There could be better value elsewhere in the competitive AFC North.

Cincinnati Bengals +165

The Bengals lost Joe Mixon and Tyler Boyd but brought in Zack Moss. Offensively, Ja’Marr

Chase is their biggest weapon and with Joe Burrow healthy again, that dynamic duo will look to

regain their form from a few years ago. The outlook for the offensive line isn’t promising,

especially against this rugged division. They are not as experienced and were lucky last year,

health wise, as all five starters played all 17 games. Defensively, Cincinnati struggled last

season, sixth worst in the NFL against the run. Couple things to consider, the Bengals do have

an easier schedule but also have an unhappy Tee Higgins, and a quarterback who still could

have lingering wrist issues.

Cleveland Browns +500

The Browns went into last year’s playoffs with a stout defense but were absolutely torched by

the Texans in a 45-14 loss. Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett leads a unit that should

still be a force next season as it was ranked #2 overall in 2023. Cleveland added Jerry Jeudy to

a receiving core that includes Amari Cooper and tight end David Njoku. But for this team to

succeed, two players need to return to form, quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back

Nick Chubb. Cleveland needs a healthy Nick Chubb to have any chance to make a run at the

division.

Pittsburgh Steelers +600

The Steelers were 10-7 despite having Kenny PIckett as their quarterback. Now they have two

proven pivots in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Workhorse Najee Harris will be a big part of

the offense and George Pickens now has a quarterback who can make use of his big body

presence. His average of almost 11 yards per target is one of the highest in the NFL. The

difference maker for Pittsburgh is Mike Tomlin. He can always strategize a game plan to beat

any team on any day. The Steelers defense is always tough and finished sixth last season. The

first half of the season is a favorable schedule and if they can get a great start, they could upset

this division and at these odds, it wouldn’t be a bad bet.

AFC North Division Odds

Baltimore Ravens +140

Cincinnati Bengals +165

Cleveland Browns +500
Pittsburgh Steelers +600