The AFC North is set to be a powerhouse of a division in 2023, with at least two teams that could realistically make a run in the playoffs. While the headliner of this division until further notice is likely the Cincinnati Bengals, all four teams will be intriguing from an NFL betting perspective. Here, we look at the AFC North futures odds and give our pick to win this division this year.
AFC North Futures Betting Odds
Cincinnati Bengals
Last season, the Cincinnati Bengals came so close to winning a second straight AFC Championship Game over the Kansas City Chiefs in order to reach the Super Bowl. But a late penalty helped the Chiefs to kick a conference winning field goal in that contest, sending Cincinnati to a second straight postseason that has ended with a painful defeat.
This year, more of the same quality can be expected from a Bengals team that is the favorite to win the AFC North. Joe Burrow will be one of the top-five quarterbacks in the NFL once again, barring a complete disaster of a season on his part. But the question is whether this Bengals team can get the big time stops they need to defeat the Chiefs and Eagles of the world in 2023.
Baltimore Ravens
Well, Lamar Jackson got his money from the Baltimore Ravens this offseason. The question now is whether that type of an investment in a quarterback with one postseason win will be a mistake or not. For that kind of contract to pay off, Jackson must first stay on the field, which has not been a given for him over the last couple of seasons either.
Along with any Jackson related concerns this team might have, there are questions about the quality of the targets he has to throw to as well. Odell beckham Jr. is now a Raven, with the question being whether or not he can help players like Devin Duvernay and Rashod Bateman become better receivers. No matter what happens, it will be an interesting year in Baltimore.
Cleveland Browns
His off-field behavior may be unsavory at best, but this will be the first full season for Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns. This represents an upgrade over Jacoby Brissett, Baker Mayfield, and the names that have come before him from a talent perspective. But will it result in enough wins for the Browns to make the postseason?
Frankly, this roster looks better from top to bottom than that of the Ravens going into this season. But the lack of stability and culture surrounding the Browns is what could drop them from second place to third if they do not keep building those areas of their franchise.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The longshot to win the AFC North this season is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who enter year two with Kenny Pickett as their top choice to run their offense. Pickett clearly has a bright future ahead of him, but Pittsburgh finished in the bottom-10 in the league in total yards last season. They will need to find a way to open things up to get better this year.
2023 AFC North Futures Prediction
There is not going to be a team that can keep up with the Cincinnati Bengals at the top of the AFC South for the duration of this season. Cincinnati is too consistent offensively and too good at home to fall behind a Ravens team that has injury concerns at quarterback, or Cleveland and Pittsburgh teams still trying to find their footing.
Other NFL Division Futures
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