One of the most competitive and evenly matched up divisions is the AFC North. Four teams that all have the possibility of winning and the odds show that. Injuries and a slow start can really bury a team here so it will be interesting to see how things unfold this season.
Cincinnati Bengals (+150)
The health of Joe Burrow and the strained calf is going to be under the microscope here as they look to maintain the success they have been having. This very well can be the last year of having Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins all under contract. However, this offensive line needs to create more opportunities of keeping Burrow upright.
The defense is a little weaker but relatively untouched so things will be interesting. Cincinnati spent its first three picks in the draft on defense so they want to get some more impact players there to limit the production against them. Expect the Bengals to be in the race.
Baltimore Ravens (+220)
This is the complete wild card to figure out as they added wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr and a brand new offensive coordinator in Todd Monken. This offense largely stayed the same except adding wide receiver Zay Glowers and left guard Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu in the NFL draft.
The defense is the strongest part of this team as they have strong players all over the defense. This is exactly what we expect out of Baltimore on a yearly basis and if they can stay healthy, while also having a Hall of Fame kicker in Justin Tuck, they should be in a great position to win games and the division.
Cleveland Browns (+380)
Is Deshaun Watson going to shake the rust off from last year? If the Browns want to win games they better hope so. They have a very similar offense to last year but lost Kareem Hunt to free agency. The defense has added Shelby Harris on the defensive line to pair with Myles Garrett. It feels like the pressure is on Watson to showcase his talents as a top-five QB otherwise the Browns are going nowhere.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+425)
How Kenny Pickett develops is going to be the question as they have some great pass-catchers with George Pickens, Diontae Johnson and Allen Robinson. Running back Najee Harris is in a contract year so it will be interesting to see how well he does here and left tackle Broderick Jones was the team’s first-round pick.
The defense of the Steelers is the highlight as they have an experienced Patrick Peterson, Minkah Fitzpatrick and rookie Joey Porter Jr. This Steelers team can go around.500 and sneak in as a wild card but the division feels like a tall ask.
