The Bengals are 8/5 Favorites to Win the AFC North in 2014.
Next up on our tour of NFL divisions is the AFC North. This
is one of the more difficult divisions to predict this season, due to the fact
that there is no truly elite team, and the weaker teams appear to have gotten
better.
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Let's take a look at the NFL futures from the LVH SuperBook in Las Vegas and some of the moves these AFC North teams have made this offseason...
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Super Bowl Odds: 18/1
AFC Title Odds: 8/1
AFC North Odds: 8/5
O/U Win Total: 9 OVER -125
The Bengals ended last season with a very disappointing home
playoff lost to the Chargers. They will need more out of quarterback Andy
Dalton if they hope to take the next step this season and win a playoff game.
Dalton is looking for a big money deal and would be well-served to play his
best football if he hopes to get it. Expect the defense to be just as good as
last year despite losing defensive end Michael Johnson to the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers, with Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap anchoring the line.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Super Bowl Odds: 25/1
AFC Title Odds: 12/1
AFC North Odds: 9/4
O/U Win Total: 8.5 OVER -150
The Steelers have been consistent playoff contenders over
the past few seasons. However, they took a step back last year with a 7-9
record, their worst mark since going 6-10 back in 2003. Pittsburgh made it a
point to address the issues of an aging roster, adding youth on both sides of
the ball in the NFL Draft. Look for rookies like linebacker Ryan Shazier out of
Ohio State and running back Dri Archer from Kent State to contribute early.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Super Bowl Odds: 25/1
AFC Title Odds: 12/1
AFC North Odds: 9/4
O/U Win Total: 8.5 OVER -130
The Ravens have what appears to be a pretty easy schedule
this season. The offense added former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve
Smith in free agency but also need veteran RB Ray Rice to return to form following
a two-game suspension for an off-the-field incident this offseason. Baltimore
also added a first-round draft pick to the defense, linebacker C.J. Mosley from
Alabama. He will play early, and often, on what is expected to be an impressive
defense combining youth with experience.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Super Bowl Odds: 60/1
AFC Title Odds: 30/1
AFC North Odds: 6/1
O/U Win Total: 6.5 OVER -140
No matter your feelings on QB Johnny Manziel, one thing that
cannot be denied is that he is entertaining and will sell tickets in Cleveland.
Drafting Johnny Football has created more buzz around the Browns than there has
been in years. However, a lack of depth at wide receiver is an issue that will
impact Manziel and projected starting QB Brian Hoyer, especially with the likely
suspension of WR Josh Gordon. Cleveland's defense should only continue to
improve this season with the additions of DE Paul Kruger and safety Donte
Whitner, and the Browns also added a Top 10 draft pick to their secondary in
rookie cornerback Justin Gilbert. Those moves will all help rookie head coach
Mike Pettine, the former defensive coordinator of both the Buffalo Bills and
New York Jets.
More NFL Division Betting Previews: AFC East | AFC West | NFC East | NFC West