Look, say what you want about the other divisions in the National Football League, but let’s be real: The AFC North is where it’s at; nothing beats it. Top-tier rivalries, multiple intriguing storylines, and two teams in the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals who can legitimately challenge for a Super Bowl this year. Yeah, maybe there are some other strong divisions, and yeah, perhaps those divisions have a couple of legit Lombardi Trophy threats, but do these divisions have it all – the drama, can’t-miss divisional games, and four teams that are legit playoff contenders? We think not!
Thanks for reading our NFL Divisional Preview Series! Be sure to check out our previews for all eight divisions:
AFC North – AFC South – AFC East – AFC West – NFC North – NFC South – NFC East – NFC West
To prove our point, the most exciting team in the AFC North isn’t even the biggest threat to do something big. That team is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The head honchos in the front office basically said, “The hell with this QB room,” gutted it, and brought in Russell “Let’s Ride” Wilson and the underachieving Justin Fields. Will Pittsburgh make the playoffs? Who flipping knows? That schedule looks rougher than your bank account after a night out with the boys. Nevertheless, the Steelers will be making some headlines, and Mr. I Only Drink Shirley Temples, who doesn’t love some drama? That’s why you’re still watching reruns of “Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”
Next, we have the Baltimore Ravens, who look pretty much the same as last year. One year more experienced, but still have the potential to choke when it means the most. Will that slow down Maryland’s finest? Probs not! Quarterback Lamar Jackson dreams nightly of new ways to throw a clutch INT in the year’s biggest game. Don’t be scared, though, as the Ravens will win a lot of games and probably the AFC North (HAHA). That’s something to look forward to, eh, Ravens fans? Or maybe we just be on that hatin’ BS?
How ‘bout those Bengals, brother? 2024 Super Bowl Champions has a nice ring to it. Joe Burrow is back, and he still has weapons to utilize. Contrary to popular belief, Cincy drafted well, and the D looks solid. The only thing that can stop the Bengals is themselves. At least, that’s what everyone is saying.
Lastly, is there a more excellent way to say that a team hates its quarterback than by signing two backups who could probably be the starters for other teams in the league? We ought to say, “Most likely not.” Unfortunately, that’s the Cleveland Browns for you. Tons of potential, just not much will to act on it. Will that change in 2024? We ain’t betting on it.
As you can see, the AFC North is lit. So you best know we’ve got a betting preview ready to boot, featuring odds from the one and only bet365.
As our main man Russell Wilson says, “Let’s ride!”
Baltimore Ravens
Super Bowl odds: +900
To win conference odds: +475
Division odds: +125
Odds to make the playoffs: Yes -290, No +220
Season win total: Over 10.5 (-110), Under 10.5 (-110)
2023 record: 13-4, first in AFC North
Key additions: RB Derrick Henry, CB Nate Wiggins, Edge Kyle Van Noy, WR Deonte Harty, OT Josh Jones, DT Josh Tupou
Key subtractions: QB Tyler Huntley, RB J.K. Dobbins, RB Gus Edwards, WR Odell Beckham Jr., OT Morgan Moses, Edge Jadeveon Clowney, LB Patrick Queen
Most important game on the schedule: The Ravens’ most important game of the season will be in Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Let’s be honest: If Baltimore has any chance of winning a Super Bowl this year, the team has to be able to take down top-tier foes like Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs decisively. Slay that dragon early in the season, shut the hAtErS like us up, build up some momentum, and show the league who they daddies really be in 2024.
Prop to watch: Lamar Jackson has caught a lot of slack in his career for being a bad passer. Before 2023, the most passing yards he ever threw for was 3,127 in 2019. That was along with a 113.3 passer rating and 36 touchdowns thrown. Then, for a good chunk of time there, Jackson couldn’t get close to the 3,000-yards passing mark. Some years, he was hurt; for others, he relied on his legs. Things picked up again in 2023, with 3,678 passing yards on the season for Jackson, the most he’s thrown in his career. From what we hear, Jackson has been working hard on his passing mechanics and is looking to take the next step. As we said before, this is the Ravens’ year to make a statement. Who better to lead the charge than the franchise player? We like Lamar Jackson to throw Over 3,250.5 passing yards on the season at a satisfactory price of -110. It could be a sucker bet, but we’re willing to roll the dice.
Potential breakout player: If Lamar Jackson is going to up his passing game, sophomore receiver Zay Flowers will be the man who makes it happen. The young man knows how to run a good route and keep the secondary guessing. His rookie season in 2023 was good. Flowers collected 858 receiving yards and five “tuddies,” as the Madden gamers call them. Now, stuff is going to get serious in 2024. The opponents better be getting their cribs tidied up because Mr. Flowers will be paying them some visits. There’s no sophomore slump happening here. Bro is about to go off!
Betting projection: No BS, the Baltimore Ravens aren’t “it.” In our eyes, the Ravens will always be on the outside looking in, choking in the playoffs like the Buffalo Bills. Yes, we be hatin’, for real. The team’s schedule throughout the first few weeks of the season seems rough, and when the division games come, no matter how good or bad the opponents are, you sure as hell know those showdowns will be battles. It seems more often than not, the Ravens are locks to lose to the Steelers twice a year and let’s be honest, do y’all really think Baltimore will beat the KC Chiefs in Week 1? I don’t know, boss, our hopes aren’t too high. Luckily for Baltimore, the rest of the AFC North teams will also have rough schedules, so the Ravens should still make the playoffs. Target the Ravens to have Under 10.5 wins at -110.
Ravens Under 10.5 Wins
Cincinnati Bengals
Super Bowl odds: +1200
To win conference odds: +700
Division odds: +165
Odds to make the playoffs: Yes -240, No +190
Season win total: Over 10.5 (-135), Under 10.5 (+105)
2023 record: 9-8, fourth in AFC North
Key additions: OT Amarius Mims, TE Mike Gesicki, OT Trent Brown, DT Sheldon Rankins, S Vonn Bell, S Geno Stone
Key subtractions: RB Joe Mixon, WR Tyler Boyd, TE Irv Smith Jr., OT Jonah Williams, DT Josh Tupou, DT D.J. Reader, CB Chidobe Awuzie, S Nick Scott
Most important game on the schedule: The season’s most important game for the Cincinnati Bengals will be in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs. In the unlikely event that the Ravens beat KC in Week 1, you know Patrick Mahomes ain’t losing in Week 2. That means Cincy will get KC’s best game, and the Chiefs’ best game has won the team Super Bowls. If Joe Burrow and Co. can hand Patrick Mahomes his second L of the season, our belief that the Bengals can win the Super Bowl just gets further reaffirmed. Nevertheless, the game will be must-see TV.
Prop to watch: Joe Burrow seems to be healthy. That excites us because we believe he’s a top-five QB in the NFL. As such, we think the lad will have a great season and get himself into the MVP conversation. To do so, he’ll have to throw a ton of passing touchdowns. Bet365 is offering +125 for Burrow to throw 30+ passing touchdowns. On that line, we’ll bite. In the seasons that Burrow has been mostly healthy, 2021 and 2022, he’s thrown 34 and 35 touchdowns, respectively. If you look at some of the matchups he’ll have this year, Burrow should be able to have a few four- to five-passing touchdown games. That’s if he can stay healthy.
Potential breakout player: Running back Joe Mixon is gone, leaving a big hole to fill in one of football’s most critical skilled positions. Thank goodness the Bengals have second-year stud Chase Brown to take over the reins. Bro was hurt a bit in 2023 but looked promising when healthy. Yes, we know in 44 rushing attempts, he only had 147 rushing yards, but the fact that the Bengals let Joe Mixion go shows that the team has some faith in the kid and, of course, Zach Moss. We think Brown rewards the high command for their courageous decision by becoming a bonafide RB1 before the season’s end.
Betting projection: Unlike the Ravens, the Bengals aren’t playing. Cincy has its franchise QB 99.69% healthy and ready to go. The team around him looks “based,” as the kids like to say. Yes, the schedule doesn’t look easy in the slightest, but the highest earners have to bear the most demanding tests. The Bengals have that “it” factor, which’ll show this season. This defence is better than most give it credit for. Joe Burrow could make a walk-on receiver look like Randy Moss. The only thing Cincy will need is the WILL to keep pushing forward when times are tough. If Cincy finds the willpower, anything is possible. We’ll target the Bengals to win the AFC North at +165, the AFC at +700, and the gosh darn Super Bowl at +1200.
 | To win Super Bowl | To win division | To make the playoffs |
| Baltimore Ravens | +900 | +125 | -290 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | +1200 | +165 | -240 |
| Cleveland Browns | +4000 | +550 | +145 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | +4000 | +700 | +175 |
Cleveland Browns
Super Bowl odds: +4000
To win conference odds: +2000
Division odds: +550
Odds to make the playoffs: Yes +145, No -180
Season win total: Over 8.5 (-135), Under 8.5 (+105)
2023 record: 11-6, second in AFC North
Key additions: QB Jameis Winston, QB Tyler Huntley, RB D’Onta Foreman, RB Nyheim Hines, WR Jerry Jeudy, OL Germain Ifedi, LB Devin Bush, LB Jordan Hicks
Key subtractions: QB Joe Flacco, RB Kareem Hunt, WR Marquise Goodwin, TE Harrison Bryant, C Nick Harris, DT Jordan Elliott, LB Sione Takitaki, LB Anthony Walker, CB Mike Ford, K Cade York
Most important game on the schedule: Let’s be honest, the biggest matchup for the Browns will be against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Weeks 12 and 14. Win both of those games, and the path to a Wild Card berth gets a little easier (if the Steelers are standing in the way). Never mind that the Steelers and Browns should be able to put on a good show for the league. Big emphasis on SHOULD there.
Prop to watch: Deshaun Watson Under 3,330.5 passing yards on the season at -130 is the only answer here. Bro has to spend more time in the video room because whatever he’s doing ain’t working. If Watson ain’t hurt, he be tweaking on a weekly basis. Like, let’s be for real Browns fans, how many times have you thought to yourself during Watson’s time in the ‘Land, “Where’s he throwing that ball?” That stuff won’t just fix itself, and the Browns coaching staff has their heads so far up their rear ends that no matter what they try, it won’t work. Watson might be in for a rough year. By the way, don’t be fooled by Watson’s numbers with Houston. That was during a different time in his career. For better or worse, he’s a new man.
Potential breakout player: If Watson can get his head on straight, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy will play a huge part in that. We’ve always liked Jeudy, but the guy never had a good pass thrower in Denver. Yes, we’re not high on Watson, but Watson trumps anything Jeudy has previously had. Jeudy will shine if the Browns can find ways to get him in the game; that’s a big ask for an OC who probably has a hard time tying his own shoes. Nevertheless, if given a chance, Jeudy can break tackles, disrupt coverages, and block when need be.
Betting projection: Cleveland seems to have an easier schedule than, let’s say, Pittsburgh, but it’s still tough. The Ravens will most likely beat the Browns in their divisional games. The Steelers usually show up and give Cleveland a hard time. That’s another potential two losses there. Cincy will beat the Browns, too. There’s six losses. You may as well count Cleveland’s games against Dallas and Kansas City as Ls, too; that makes eight losses. As you can tell, we don’t believe much in the boys playing for “Believeland.” The coaching staff is meh; Watson is washed, and the rest of the division is scary as hell. We’re targeting the Browns to finish with Under 8.5 wins on the season at a price of +105.
NEXT!
Browns Under 8.5 wins
Pittsburgh Steelers
Super Bowl odds: +4000
To win conference odds: +2500
Division odds: +700
Odds to make the playoffs: Yes +175, No -225
Season win total: Over 8.5 (+115), Under 8.5 (-145)
2023 record: 10-6, third in AFC North
Key additions: OT Troy Fautanu, QB Justin Fields, QB Russell Wilson, WR Van Jefferson, WR Cordarrelle Patterson, LB Patrick Queen, CB Donte Jackson, CB Cameron Sutton
Key subtractions: QB Kenny Pickett, QB Mason Rudolph, QB Mitchell Trubisky, WR Diontae Johnson, WR Allen Robinson, OT Chukwuma Okorafor, LB Markus Golden, LB Kwon Alexander, CB Patrick Peterson, CB Levi Wallace
The most important game on the schedule: Okay, on paper, this matchup seems boring AF, but it’s the most important game in our books since it will set the tone for the rest of the season. Of course, the game we’re talking about is Pittsburgh’s Week 1 showdown with that bum of a QB Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons. Will Russell Wilson cook, or will T.J. Watt and the rest of the Steelers’ defence have to carry the team for yet another season? The first time is the only time to make a good impression with a fanbase slowly starting to lose its s***. All the Yinzers’ who are scared to leave West Penny for greener pastures will be watching. Time to make ‘em proud.
Prop to watch: T.J. Watt Over 14.5 sacks on the season at a better-than-fine price of +105. We all know Watt is a beast that can’t be tamed unless he gets hurt. O-Lines can try to stop him, but buddy has a way of making stuff happen. He got 19 sacks last season, and we don’t see him slowing down in 2024. Yes, compared to other really good sack-getters, this line is high, but we’ll ride. As we like to think they say, T.J. Watt’s keyboard doesn’t have an escape key.
Potential breakout player: DT Keeanu Benton is well-positioned to lead the Steelers’ defensive line for years to come. He spent most of the offseason getting in shape to become a better pass rusher. Benton only started nine games in 2023 and finished with 36 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles and eight quarterback hits. That’s not entirely bad and something he can build on in 2024. A strong case can be made that Benton is one of the NFL’s more underrated DTs, especially when he’s playing in the shadow of Cam Heyward. Bro is about to go off.
Betting projection: Although Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin called the revamped offence’s play during the preseason no better than “junior varsity (Ouch, apply cold water to the burn),” something tells us the Yinzer Gang will fare a bit better come Week 1 and throughout the season. Any defence with T.J. Watt on it is a good one. The offence has potential, and the head honchos did manage to beef up the O-Line slightly. Coach Tomlin always finds a way to get the best out of his players. Maybe that works on guys like Wilson and Fields? We’re cautiously optimistic with this team. Everyone is counting Wilson out and saying he’s a “has been.” Fields is getting billed as a “wannabe Lamar Jackson.” The media thinks this team is going to be a trainwreck. Don’t take us for fools; Pittsburgh won’t light the league on fire, but we wouldn’t be shocked if the Steelers finish above .500. We’ll target Pittsburgh to get Over 8.5 wins on the season at +115.
