Aussie Football finals are rolling around which can only mean one thing, so is the start of the NFL! Check out our AFC North Betting Preview below!
The AFC North is stacked with question marks but the biggest factor in deciding the division is still without a doubt the health of Steelers QB – Ben Roethlisberger.
The AFC North Division Winner Odds
Odds listed above courtesy of oddschecker.com and of course in fractional form.
The AFC North Team Overview
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have arguably the best running back and the best receiver in the game with Martavius Bryant also returning. If Big Ben stays healthy, this is a top five offense – it’s as simple as that.
If wishes were fishes though… the Steelers defense cracks the top 10 in DVOA rankings and Ben plays 13 or more games and they should win this division which lacks any real firepower.
Tom Brady: I’m never sore. I could practice twice a day if they let me.”
Ben Roethlisberger: pic.twitter.com/BFKRIHO66E
— Tom Brady’s Ego (@TomBradysEgo) August 18, 2017
PROJECTED: 10-6 and AFC North Division winners
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals had a tough year last year with injury but were still competitive for long periods. There will be an air of optimism about this preseason with some offensive talent in Ross and Mixon joining the roster.
They had a horrid record in close games last season (1-5-1) so there is enough to suggest that they can go above .500 this year with a change of luck.
However, the offensive line still looks to be a real issue and the Browns won’t be such an easy beat. We think they just nudge out the Ravens and contend for a wild-card spot.
PROJECTED: 9-7
NFC North Division Betting Preview
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens need to get back to the playoffs but looking at the roster it’s anything but a sure thing. They picked up two solid secondary players and one of the most underrated signings of the offseason in wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.
A strong team at home that is well coached and 6th ranked for DVOA defense in 2016 – an improvement from the offense is needed for them to take the next step.
So, is Joe Flacco elite (CC: Josh Wye)? Well, the answer is clearly no and that’s why we can’t get this team to double digit wins.
PROJECTED: 8-8
Don’t let this solar eclipse distract you from the fact that the Baltimore Ravens haven’t made the playoffs in the last 3 of 4 seasons.
— The Steel Crew (@TheSteelCrew) August 21, 2017
Cleveland Browns
The Browns were a slightly better Football team than the 1-15 the record shows last year although spread bettors in 2016 would disagree.
30th ranked for offensive DVOA and 31st in defensive DVOA so you can make the argument they need to improve sharply on both sides of the ball to get even close to .500 this season.
They do bring three 2017 first round picks to the table this season and the offensive line has been bolstered. Improvement, but not enough to contend for the division is expected.
PROJECTED: 4-12
Punting Stars’ AFC North Betting Tips
Small stake on the Cincinnati Bengals to win the NFC North @ $4.33