NFL News

2018 NFL Betting Futures: Steelers Atop AFC North Odds Over Ravens

Despite falling short in the playoffs the previous two seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers have their eyes set on winning a third straight AFC North crown in 2018. The Steelers hope to parlay a division title into a Super Bowl appearance again as -280 favorites (bet $280 to win $100) to finish first in the AFC North. They are ahead of the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns. How do the AFC North odds look for this season?

Who Are The Favorites In The AFC North Odds?

Pittsburgh last made the Super Bowl following the 2010 season after winning its fifth AFC North titl. The Steelers have won three more since then. However, the division winner has made it past the Divisional Round of the playoffs only once in the last five seasons, when the Steelers got to the AFC Championship Game two years ago. They then lost to the New England Patriots, who went on to win the Super Bowl.

With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger under center for another season, Pittsburgh could dethrone New England as the AFC champio. However, injuries and personal interests could get in the team’s way. Running back Le’Veon Bell figures to be the key for the Steelers offensively. However, Bell will play under the franchise tag for the second year in a row. The dual-threat back isn’t happy about it. There is also wide receiver Antonio Brown, who is a longshot according to the NFL MVP odds. But he might be the best wideout in the NFL. 

Can Baltimore Hang With Pittsburgh?

Regardless, Baltimore might be Pittsburgh’s only legitimate competition within the division with a solid defense and rebuilt offense around quarterback Joe Flacco. The Ravens are listed with AFC North odds of +400 to win the division. They won Super Bowl XLVII the last time they finished ahead of the Steelers in the division six years ago. Michael Crabtree (formerly of the Oakland Raiders) and John Brown (Arizona Cardinals) are two new additions that should provide Flacco with some better receivers than he has had.

Do Cincinnati and Cleveland Have A Shot?

Cincinnati has won two AFC North titles in the previous five seasons. However, it would be an upset if the team added a third in 2018 at +1000 odds. The Bengals surprised many by bringing back head coach Marvin Lewis. He has never won a playoff game even though he has gotten to the postseason seven times with this franchise. Lewis must still deal with linebacker Vontaze Burfict, but defensive back Adam “Pacman” Jones is finally gone after Cincinnati decided to let him walk as a free agent following eight years.

Some think Cleveland will be much-improved this season, and it is easy to understand why. The Browns have picked up some quality players this offseason, including wide receiver Jarvis Landry in a trade with the Miami Dolphins. Also, their young defense should keep them competitive. In addition, there are high hopes for No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield, who will have a tough quarterback battle with veteran Tyrod Taylor for the starting job.

Cleveland has seen 28 different starters at quarterback since 1999. They will likely see at least a couple more this year. That said, the Browns are +1200 to win the division and cannot help but improve upon their winless campaign from 2017. Look for them to make progress and fight the Bengals to stay out of the AFC North basement.