The AFC North is unquestionably the most stacked division in the entire NFL. Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the three teams in the division to make it to the playoffs, and they will be aiming for the same again this upcoming season. But what are their chances of actually winning the divisional crown for the first time since 2020? Let's find out, as well as the chances of their three divisional rivals.
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Baltimore Ravens
Online betting site DuelBits currently makes the Baltimore Ravens the short-priced 2.30 favorites to win the division next season. The popular bookmaker currently has a sports betting bonus available to use on the upcoming NFL season in which new customers can bag themselves a free 100% bonus of up to $100 on their first deposit. Wagering that on the Ravens at their current odds could result in winnings of $230 if they can live up to the billing.
It's clear to see why they are the current favorites. The team boasts a rock-solid defense, bolstered by secondary talents like Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey, and a ferocious pass rush led by Odafe Oweh. On offense, quarterback Lamar Jackson continues to be a dynamic dual-threat, capable of turning any play into a highlight reel as displayed by his second career MVP award last season. They not only hope to win their division, but they have Lombardi Trophy aspirations as well.
Cincinnati Bengals
Last season, the Cincinnati Bengals were the only AFC North team not to reach the postseason, something which was somewhat surprising considering the fact that they had reached the Super Bowl and the Conference Championships in the two years prior. However, much of their plight was due to a season-ending injury suffered by quarterback Joe Burrow, but this season, he is back, and he is hoping to lead Cincy to the playoffs once more.
The bookies currently make the Bengals a 2.45 second-favorite, and with weapons like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in their arsenal to support the superstar Burrow, they will certainly be a match for anybody.
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Steelers' rival, Cincinnati Bengals receiver, Ja'Marr Chase pulls in a pass.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns come into the season as something of a dark horse. With odds of 7.00, they're not expected to win the division, but they shouldn't be counted out. The team's success largely hinges on quarterback Deshaun Watson returning to his Pro Bowl form after a turbulent couple of seasons. Last year, veteran Joe Flacco took over for the latter half of the campaign and posted blistering numbers en route to the playoffs. If Watson can regain his composure and consistency, the Browns' offense, featuring Nick Chubb and Amari Cooper, could be quite formidable.
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Steelers' TJ Watt sacks Browns' Deshaun Watson in Pittsburgh, PA.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Rounding out the rankings are the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the longest odds at 9.50. Despite being perennial contenders, the Steelers face several challenges this season. They have two quarterbacks who have household names in the form of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, however, neither of them has set the world alight in recent years. For the Black and Gold, their hopes hinge on one of them rising to the challenge and becoming a marquee QB once again.
