AFC North 2023 Season Preview

No reason to get cute and pick against the Bengals here to win the division. This team is right in the middle of their window and might have the best team they’ve had in these recent successful seasons. Sure, Joe Burrow’s training camp injury scare causes a bit of a pause, but that’s the case for any team really. For the odds, this is a great bet to win the AFC.

Here’s where I’m getting cute. I like the Steelers this year. First of all, this organization and the head coach simply don’t have losing seasons. Second of all, this defense may be the best in its division. Third, on offense, Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth and Najee Harris are a talented group. And finally, I believe in Kenny Pickett. I just do. I think this team makes the playoffs, and you can get that at plus odds.

I’m down on the Ravens this year. When I think Ravens, I always think of a tough defense. I don’t have that same feeling this year. And this offense is going to look completely different than in recent years. They’re going far more pass heavy. Maybe that will work better for them, maybe it won’t. They certainly have better options in the passing game than in years past. Either way, I think it’s going to take time. And this division is LOADED. I think they are on the outside of the playoffs looking in. You can get that at plus odds.

The Browns are one of the teams with the most variance in my opinion heading into this season. It’s not out of the realm of possibilities that Deshaun Watson leads this very talented team deep into the playoffs. Before everything went down the way it did for him, he was in the elite tier of QBs. They have a very solid defense, an elite offensive line, and weapons on offense. I personally expect them to be a very competitive team. But he looked AWFUL in the limited games he played in last year. If he does that, especially in this division, they’ll be looking at a top 10 pick. I struggled finding a bet I like, but I’m going with the under for Nick Chubb’s rushing yards. I think they open it up on offense a bit more and Chubb’s touches decrease.