Just like the AFC East, the AFC North is wide-open and can be had by any of the four teams, although it’s probably a two-team race according to oddsmakers. The Ravens are favored to win at +115, but the Cincinnati Bengals are close behind at +165. The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers are projected third and fourth respectively at +550 and +850.
As for the schedule, the teams will play the four NFC East squads – the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders. One NFC South team will also be on the AFC North schedule. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints will each play an AFC North team.
AFC North Standings [2023]
| AFC | NORTH | W | L | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Ravens | 13 | 4 | 0 |
 | Browns | 11 | 6 | 0 |
 | Steelers | 10 | 7 | 0 |
 | Bengals | 9 | 8 | 0 |
BALTIMORE RAVENS (+135)
The Ravens prevailed in the division last year mainly because Lamar Jackson was the only quarterback in the AFC North to play more than 12 games. Unfortunately, the season ended with another disappointing playoff loss. The signing of Derrick Henry and drafting right tackle Roger Rosengarten will assure this team has the No. 1 running game once again. Rookies Nate Wiggins and T.J. Tampa will help fill the holes in the secondary.
The schedule is tough early with the Kansas City Chiefs on the road to open the NFL season. Baltimore will then get the Raiders at home, but then play the Cowboys, Bills and Bengals the next three weeks after that. This could be a tired bunch by December, as the Ravens don’t have their Bye until Week 14.
Odds to Win AFC North (as of 7/7/24):
Baltimore Ravens +135
Cincinnati Bengals +165
Cleveland Browns +500
Pittsburgh Steelers +650
CINCINNATI BENGALS (+165)
Cincinnati’s two-year reign as AFC North champs ended when Joe Burrow went down in Week 10. It’s the fourth straight year that Burrow’s season was disrupted or ended by injury or illness. The Bengals will obviously need him if they want to get back to the Super Bowl and leaving him on the sidelines during preseason is probably a good idea. The defense was a bit of mess last year, especially the secondary, which saw a lot of first and second year players towards the end of the season.
The schedule starts off a lot easier than Baltimore’s, with the Patriots, Chiefs, Commanders and Panthers in the first month. They will have a tough stretch in the middle of the season with four road games in six weeks, including at Baltimore on a Thursday night, before their Bye in Week 12.
Week 1 NFL Lines, Free Picks and Futures
CLEVELAND BROWNS (+500)
Cleveland surprised a lot of people last year when they made the playoffs despite losing Deshaun Watson for the season. Joe Flacco came in late and led them to the playoffs, and Cleveland won games with four different starting quarterbacks – an NFL first. Changes were made in the offseason with the offensive coaching staff, while their terrific defense was fortified with the addition of free-agent linebacksers Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush.
The Browns kick off the season by hosting the Cowboys and then four road games in five weeks. Cleveland will then get three home dates in a row before their Bye in Week 10. The end of the schedule is tough with matchups against Kansas City, Cincinnati, Miami and Baltimore in the final month.
Season Win Totals (as of 7/7/24):
Baltimore Ravens 10.5 o130
Cincinnati Bengals 10.5 o135
Cleveland Browns 8.5 o145
Pittsburgh Steelers 8.5 u155
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (+650)
The Pittsburgh Steelers had a busy offseason trying to retool the inept offense. In a span of 48 hours, they signed veteran Russell Wilson, traded Kenny Pickett to Philadelphia, and traded for Justin Fields. Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky were let go, making this a much different offense heading into 2024. Pittsburgh then drafted three offensive lineman to help protect whoever is under center and establish a running game.
Three of the first four games are on the road including at Denver, where Wilson last played. The Steelers have three prime time games which are all intriguing – Dallas, NY Jets and at Cleveland. They also don’t play a division game until Week 11, so the end of the schedule is brutal. It also includes the Eagles and Chiefs.
Jay’s Season Win Total Best Bet: This pick will probably bite me in the ass, but I’m taking the Steelers to finally have a losing season. The offense was horrendous last year and I don’t think Wilson and or Fields is the answer. Also, Pittsburgh better have at least five wins by Week 11, or they won’t surpass eight victories this season.
Steelers UNDER 8.5 -155
Jay’s Pick to Win Division: This is a very competitive division, but I’m confident that the Ravens are the best of the bunch. Jackson finally stayed healthy last year and that’s why they won the division. Derrick Henry will only make the top-ranked rushing offense even better. I don’t see another team besides maybe Cincinnati that can compete with the Ravens.
Ravens +135
To see more odds and props for the AFC North, click here.
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