The AFC North has been in ownership of the Cincinnati Bengals for the last two seasons. Will they be able to do it three times in a row, or can someone else dethrone Joe Burrow and the Bengals?
1. Cincinnati Bengals (+150)
Ever since Joe Burrow took over the starting job for the Bengals, this team has just felt different. This team has seemingly got better and better each season. The one issue that has been apparent for this team is the offensive line. The protection of Burrow needs to be better this season, as Joe Burrow has been getting smacked around in the backfield these last two seasons. Joe Burrow is starting out the season hurt, as he sprained his calf during a practice just a week or two ago.
If Joe Burrow can come back week one, then I think it’s the Bengals division to lose. Offensively, the Bengals have weapons on weapons, the worry is the offensive line. Defensively, they have really good pieces in place and are very well rounded. They seemingly have gotten better and better each year, and just missed out on a chance at the Super Bowl last year. The AFC North is a really tough division however, so we could be in for a shocking finish this year.
2. Baltimore Ravens (+210)
Now here is where the hard part begins. I truly believe that any of these teams could take the division this year. The case for the Ravens is they look to improve on what they did last year. Signing Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency and Zay Flowers in the draft, these two have been a huge addition to Lamar Jackson already this offseason. Along with that, the Ravens have a new OC named Todd Monken.
The big issue for this team this year will be Lamar Jackson’s health along with the running back injuries. . This team is folded with talent, but injuries derailed so much momentum for them the last two years. Between a new offense and some new weapons for Lamar, there is a lot of optimism for the Ravens. If the Ravens can manage the injuries and take advantage of the new signings, there is no reason why the Ravens couldn’t dethrone the Bengals.
3. Cleveland Browns (+400)
Man I have been struggling so hard with the three spot, but I have to learn the Browns. If you take out what you remember from this team last year, the depth chart alone is enough to make you think “how is this team not favored.” They have arguably the best running back in the league in Nick Chubb, and defensively they have one of the best units they have had in years. I think we all know the real reason this team is +400, and that Deshaun Watson. To be nice, Watson was putrid last year. The offense as a whole went down after Deshaun got off his suspension and put in for Jacoby Brissett.
The argument for this team to win the AFC North is so simple yet seems so unknown, can Deshaun Watson get back to the Texans version of himself? If he can get back to even 70 percent of the form he was before the two year layoff, he could be a real game changer for the team. The football player is truly a very smart and talented guy, but he has a lot going on around him. If Deshaun Watson can play better this season, this team has the talent to be able to make a little run.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (+470)
With Mike Tomlin as the coach, you can never count this team out. Even with the issues of a young Qb and all of the injuries, the Steelers were able to keep Tomlins’ record intact. Since being named the head coach in 2007, Tomlin has not had a losing season. Last year, the Steelers showed some real promise on offense with the new rookies Kenny Pickett and George Pickens taking a step up. Defensively, the Steelers were just as good as they always seem to be.
The big thing for the Steelers this year is to see another step taken for Kenny Pickett. There were rumors (that just ,may be true now) that the Steelers had no audibles last year. Matt Canada and the offense will have to take a step in the right direction this year. With how talented these teams are in their divisions, especially offensively, the Steelers cannot just rely on their defense. If the offense is able to take a step up this season, the Steelers truly could flirt with a division title in the AFC North
Jaden Chandler-Parnell, or “JC” is a Sports/Betting Insider for Stare Down Sports. You can Follow him on twitter @Jaden95Chandler
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