Based on the odds posted at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, we’re in for another typical season in the AFC North. Baltimore is the 3-to-2 favorite to finish on top, with Pittsburgh and Cincinnati each offered at odds of 2-to-1. The Browns, who haven’t had a winning season since 2007 and haven’t made the playoffs since ‘02, are projected to finish last again.
Browns news: Johnny Manziel harassed at golf tournament
The Ravens also have the highest season win total of the four clubs, and odds on OVER 9 wins have been juiced since opening numbers were posted early last month. OVER 9 wins for Baltimore opened as the +105 dog and now sits at -110. At 20-to-1, Baltimore’s odds to win Super Bowl 50 are the shortest in the division.
Here’s a bettor’s offseason snapshot of the AFC North, including season win totals, odds to win the Super Bowl and odds to win the division, as well as The Linemakers’ take on each team. Odds are current as of Monday, June 1.
Ravens Season win total: 9 (OVER -110, UNDER -110)Odds to win division: 3/2 (opened 8/5)Odds to win Super Bowl: 20/1The Linemakers’ take: Between the coaching, existing roster and a terrific draft, this is the team that could surprise with another trip to the Super Bowl. We expect them to at least make the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years.
SteelersSeason win total: 8.5 (OVER -110, UNDER -110)Odds to win division: 2/1Odds to win Super Bowl: 25/1The Linemakers’ take: They averaged 27 points per game with the No. 2 ranked offense while giving up 23 ppg with an ordinary defense, an unfamiliar model for Pittsburgh but an effective one as they ended a two-year playoff drought. Nine or more wins seems probable, another Super Bowl win doesn‘t.
BengalsSeason win total: 8.5 (OVER -110, UNDER -110)Odds to win division: 2/1Odds to win Super Bowl: 30/1The Linemakers’ take: You have to give them credit for making the playoffs the past four seasons, but four-straight wild-card losses suggest Marvin Lewis and Andy Dalton have hit their ceiling.
BrownsSeason win total: 6.5 (OVER -110, UNDER -110)Odds to win division: 12/1Odds to win Super Bowl: 80/1The Linemakers’ take: Despite a rough QB situation, this team played with a sense of purpose and pride last season. Mike Pettine squeezed the most out of his team in his first season, but the question becomes whether they improve or digress in Year Two. Seven wins seems likely.
More division outlooks: NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West
Win a seat at the SuperContest: Register for Satellite Series
