Betting odds updated for 2024 AFC North winner
Hands down, the AFC North should be the toughest division in the conference. All four teams are playoff contenders. But as they say, unfortunately they have to meet each other twice a season.
The AFC North also features two of the best quarterbacks — Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow — and another pair of QBs — Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson — capable of being elite again. The Ravens won the division last year, followed by the Browns, Steelers and Bengals. The top three made the playoffs.
So who do the oddsmakers at FanDuel favor for the division? Unfortunately, someone will come in fourth. (Hide your eyes, Steelers fans). Read on for the odds and key details about the Ravens, Browns, Bengals and Steelers.
Baltimore Ravens (+140)
It’s no surprise that the Ravens are picked to win the AFC North. If Jackson, who was the NFL MVP in 2023, is under center, then Baltimore is an elite team.
Coach John Harbaugh loves the running game mixed with play-action passes. And the Ravens running game got a huge boost when Baltimore signed Derrick Henry in free agency. Defenses now need to account for both Henry and Jackson. That will open lanes very quickly.
Cincinnati Bengals (+165)
Oddsmakers are expecting a big Bengals rebound from last year’s 9-8 record. The reason? Burrow is healthy again. A year ago, he strained a calf muscle at the start of training camp, then aggravated the injury in week two against Baltimore. In week two, in a game against the Ravens, Burrow tore a ligament in his right wrist and missed the rest of the season.
Burrow still will be throwing passes to Ja’Marr Chase. However, Tee Higgins still is a holdout. Cincinnati didn’t re-sign running back Joe Mixon, letting him go to the Texans. Zack Moss will be the Bengals main runner.
Cleveland Browns (+480)
The Browns experienced a nightmarish situation at quarterback last season and still made the playoffs. They needed to use five as each took turns getting hurt.
But Watson is healthy. That’s the good news. He also was starting to show control over the Browns offense when he injured his shoulder last season. Get this, he broke a bone in his shoulder while playing the Ravens, aka the quarterback killers. And if the offense stumbles, Myles Garrett and the defense will be around to save the team.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+750)
The Steelers made massive changes on offense in the off season. Yet the oddsmakers don’t give them much credit. Or, it may be that the AFC North is that tough. One NFL analyst ranked it as the top division for quarterback play.
Pittsburgh signed Wilson in March. And he’s the favorite to be the starting quarterback. But the Steelers also traded for Justin Fields as they sent Kenny Pickett to the Eagles. If Wilson can return to his Pro Bowl self, then the Steelers can win the AFC North. Plus, Pittsburgh strengthened its salty defense. Patrick Queen, formerly of the Ravens, will be playing alongside T.J. Watt.
As training camps open later this month, it’s fun to look at how the oddsmakers view this year’s NFL season. They’re making predictions on all the divisions, not just the AFC North. Want to know which team is the favorite to win the most games? Check it out here. Or, if you want to see whether your favorite team is on the worst list, click it here. For all of On3.com’s NFL coverage, you may check it here.