The toughest division in all of football could be the AFC North. Three of the four teams have a legitimate shot at winning the division crown, making this one the most challenging to predict. The three teams I’m talking about are the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Ravens (+115) and Browns (+150) are neck-and-neck when it comes to the odds board, with the Steelers (+400) close behind. Of course, these teams better not forget about the up and coming Cincinnati Bengals, who are +2200 to win the AFC North. The Steelers (12-4) edged out both the Ravens (11-5) and Browns (11-5) last year and this season is setting up to be another battle to the end.
AFC North Standings [2020]
| AFC | NORTH | W | L | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Steelers | 12 | 4 | 0 |
 | Ravens | 11 | 5 | 0 |
 | Browns | 11 | 5 | 0 |
 | Bengals | 4 | 11 | 1 |
Lamar Jackson has a lot of pressure this year to develop more into a star quarterback. Baltimore has give him more weapons to work with outside and he’s on the brink of a big contract extension if he can perform.
The Browns have one of the best all-around teams in the league and have gone from laughingstock to an elite organization. They will be seeking their first division crown since 1989, while the Steelers could be regressing. Pittsburgh started the season 11-0 before losing four of the last five, then lost 48-37 to the Browns in the playoffs.
The Bengals are a team that could compete in the NFC East or possibly AFC South, but being in this division right now is tough. Joe Burrow looks like a superstar in the making and will help Cincy score plenty of points. The problem? Defense. The Bengals will give up way too many points to make the playoffs this year.
Odds to Win AFC North:
Baltimore Ravens +115
Cleveland Browns +150
Pittsburgh Steelers +400
Cincinnati Bengals +2200
Season Win Totals:
Baltimore Ravens 11 o105
Cleveland Browns 10.5 o110
Pittsburgh Steelers 8.5 u160
Cincinnati Bengals 6.5 u125
Jay’s Season Win Total Best Bet: I still think the Steelers are a good team, but Big Ben is now 39 years old and the offensive line is a weakness. Can they keep him upright all season. Though I still trust Roethlisberger to put up some decent numbers, the schedule is brutal. Besides having to play Cleveland and Baltimore twice, the Steelers play @Buffalo, @Green Bay, vs Seattle, @Minnesota, vs Tennessee and @Kansas City. 9 wins is going to be tough to achieve.
Steelers UNDER 8.5 -160
Jay’s Pick to Win Division: This is a tough call, but I’m going with Cleveland. They have the best team in the division, top to bottom and they’re hungry. I feel they can win both games against Pittsburgh and at least split with Baltimore. The schedule outside of the division is not that difficult.
Browns +150
To see more odds and props for the AFC North, click here.
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