AFC North Odds

We’re on the eve of the 2020 NFL regular season, which means you’re running out of time to lock in full-season futures before they’re altered by September results and developments. With that in mind, let’s break down divisional odds in the new-look AFC North at Sugarhouse.

Baltimore Ravens (-225)

I get it, the Ravens ran away with this division last year. Powered by MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, they posted the league’s best record (14-2), and they finished a ridiculous six games clear of the second-place Pittsburgh Steelers. But the entire league will now be aiming for Jackson, who is extremely likely to regress after an out-of-this-world campaign. Throw in the loss of key offensive lineman Marshal Yanda to retirement and this divisional race could be a lot more interesting in 2020.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+350)

That’s also the case because the Steelers are getting future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger back following an injury-derailed 2019 season. And while Big Ben might no longer be in his prime, his return could be huge considering that Pittsburgh’s wildly opportunistic defense still managed to carry the team to eight wins despite the fact Roethlisberger replacements Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges consistently performed terribly. They’ve got a shot here.

Cleveland Browns (+550)

The Browns, though, might have a better combination of offensive and defensive talent than the Steelers. In fact, if new offensive tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin and new tight end Austin Hooper can come through, it’ll be hard to find a glaring hole on the Cleveland roster.

Of course, that was also the case last year when everything went up in Brown-like flames, but at least in-over-his-head one-and-done head coach Freddie Kitchens has been replaced by the competent Kevin Stefanski. Oh, and they’re getting defensive anchor Myles Garrett back from suspension. The stars could be aligned.

Cincinnati Bengals (+2500)

This ain’t happening in 2020, but with top pick Joe Burrow coming in at quarterback and lots of talent in the receiving corps, it might be fun to lay a few bucks down at +2500. At least you know they’ll be trying to win.

Predicted winner: Pittsburgh — I think this division is going to have itself a tight three-way race, with Pittsburgh’s defense making the biggest difference and Roethlisberger holding it down. Still, that’s far from a sure bet with Baltimore and Cleveland involved.

Where the AFC North odds value’s at: Cleveland — If not for their sorry history and the fact nobody feels comfortable trusting them, the Browns would have way stronger odds here. This could be your opportunity to take advantage of that. This franchise has to win eventually, doesn’t it?

Don’t touch with a 10-foot pole: Baltimore — You’d have little to gain and everything to lose. Don’t buy a stock that has already skyrocketed.