2024-25 NFL AFC North Odds and Predictions

Of all the divisions in the American Football Conference, the AFC North should be the most competitive. If you recall, three NFL teams from the North made the AFC Playoffs last year: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers. This season, some pundits believe that all four teams could finish with winning records. 

According to the latest NFL odds, the Ravens are the odds-on favorites to win the North and make it to the AFC Championship game for a second straight year. The Cincinnati Bengals are pegged to bounce back from an abysmal 2023-24 campaign, due to QB Joe Burrow getting hurt, and potentially making a run at Super Bowl 59.

Despite being in the postseason last year, oddsmakers tab both the Browns and Steelers to finish well-behind the Ravens and the Bengals in the AFC North division. In fact, both are considered middle-of-the-road teams in the AFC. Is either team worth betting on in the North? 

Let’s examine the latest AFC North odds and prop bets, courtesy of the top sports betting sites, and make our 2024-25 AFC North Division predictions. 

AFC North Division

2024 Baltimore Ravens Season Preview

Out of the four teams in the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens are the one which consistently has the best organization, although when you look at the Bengals and Steelers those are long-time family operations.

The stability in Baltimore is why we don’t have to worry too much about the Ravens having to replace defensive coordinator Michael Macdonald, an innovator who moved on to take the head coaching job in Seattle. Zachary Orr, who has spent the last seven years with the team as an assistant, takes over. 

As you probably know, John Harbaugh, who cut his teeth in special teams as an assistant with the NFC East Eagles, is entering his 17th season, and he provides the Baltimore Ravens with a stable leadership regardless if there seems to be an annual revolving door at the Defensive Coordinator position. Last year’s DC Michael McDonald left to take the head coaching job of the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West. 

After a change in offensive coordinators, from Greg Roman to Todd Monken, Lamar Jackson captured his second MVP award. The Ravens were outstanding in the regular season, with a #1 seed in the AFC. But that didn’t improve the team’s Playoff results. Baltimore fell to the AFC West powerhouse, Kansas City Chiefs, in the conference championship game. 

Baltimore has generally favored a “committee” approach in the backfield, but they’ve created the possibility of having a true workhorse with the acquisition of Derrick Henry. 

Henry is a two-time rushing champion who has gone over 1000 yards in five of the last six years, including 2027 yards in 2020. But he’s also led the league in rushing attempts in four of the last five seasons.

There are other backs, and maybe the most explosive, Keaton Mitchell, could be back around mid-season as he is recuperating from a torn ACL. Mitchell averaged 8.4 yards a pop during his limited action in 2023.

Jackson did manage to throw for 3678 yards as rookie WR Zay Flowers came in and made a nice impact with 77 catches and 858 yards. Mark Andrews missed a good chunk of the season due to an injury, but he returns this year and will remain Jackson’s top receiving threat.  

The defensive unit reached historical levels last season, allowing the fewest points, registering the most sacks, and forcing the most turnovers. Since these numbers have been recorded, no defense has won that “triple crown.” 

They’ve lost a few starters off that unit, and those starters are linebackers Patrick Queen and Jadaveon Clowney, along with safety Geno Stone. This creates a hole; let’s see how they fill it. We can tell you that back in the secondary, they’re very happy about being able to nab Nate Wiggins, a cornerback from Clemson, on the first round. Wiggins ran a 4.29 in the 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine.

2024-25 Baltimore Ravens Win Total 

• Over 10.5 (-135)
• Under 10.5 (+105)

The Ravens enter the season with second hardest schedule (.536). Their opening week game is on the road at Kansas City, the team that beat them for the 2023-24 AFC Championship.  Fortunately for Baltimore, they received an early Christmas gift from the NFL schedule makers with a Week 14 Bye. 

It will be a long journey to get to the Bye Week and I can see this team going 8-5 over their first 13 games. In addition to the Chiefs, Baltimore also plays the Cowboys, Bills, Bengals twice, and Eagles. Baltimore could possibly sweep their final four games, which are against the Giants, Steelers, Texans and Browns. 

Last year, Baltimore went 3-3 in the division. With the addition of Henry in the backfield, I see this team improving to 4-2 in the North. 

When you put all of these pieces together, I really like Baltimore’s chances of winning at least 11 games on the year. The offense is going to be one of the best in the league. I expect the Ravens to have the #1 rushing attack as well. 

The defense has a few question marks. However, if they play Top 15 defensive football then this team is gunning for a rematch against the Chiefs in the 2024-25 AFC Championship.

Bet: Over 10.5 wins (-135)

2024-25 Baltimore Ravens Record After 5 Games

• 3 Wins (+180)
• 2 Wins (+200)
• 4 Wins (+350)
• 1 Win (+450)
• 5 Wins (+1500)
• 0 Wins (+2200)

The Ravens play the Chiefs, Raiders, Cowboys, Bills and Bengals to start the season. The Raiders and Bills games are at home. This is the toughest stretch of the season for the Ravens. So, if they can get through these five games with a winning record, it’s going to be a great year for Baltimore. 

I expect the Ravens to go 3-2 over this stretch. The AFC East’s Bills will have a short week with a MNF home game against Jacksonville and then a Sunday Night Football matchup at Baltimore. I think that will give the edge to the Ravens as they pick up three victories over their first five weeks. 

Bet: 3 Wins (+180)

Will The Baltimore Ravens Make The 2024-25 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (-290)
• No (+220)

Barring injuries or a complete meltdown, Baltimore will make the Playoffs this year. The Ravens added a true #1 running back to their offense and that’s going pay huge dividends. Jackson is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and opposing defenses won’t be able to stop this rushing attack. The only question is whether they win the AFC North or end up as a Wild Card team. And, we’ll answer this question at the end of the AFC North betting preview. 

Bet: Yes (-290)

2024 Cleveland Browns Season Preview

The Cleveland Browns used five different quarterbacks last season. And, of course, they wish that wasn’t the case. But Deshaun Watson missed eleven games last season with a shoulder injury. They were extremely lucky to have hit a jackpot of sorts when they signed Joe Flacco in what was more or less a desperation move.

Flacco stepped in and led the Browns to five straight wins down the stretch to secure themselves a Playoff spot. And, after the season, he won the Comeback of the Year award. But he was not invited to come back to the Browns as Watson is healthy and ready to take back his team. 

In the six games Watson played last year, he averaged 9.2 Intended Air Yards per attempt, which would have been second in the NFL in that category. If you want to go down the field, however, you need guys who can attack a secondary. Amari Cooper averaged 17.4 yards per reception, and 13.6 yards of that were BEFORE the catch, which led the NFL.

In addition to Cooper, the Browns also have Elijah Moore, Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku as weapons in this passing attack. 

Perhaps the biggest question, is whether or not running back Nick Chubb can return from the knee injury that prematurely ended his 2023 season. Cleveland has other serviceable running backs, but none as talented as Chubb. 

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz created the #1 defense in the NFL last year, if you’re using yards allowed as the measuring stick. The Browns also led the league with only 164.7 passing yards surrendered per contest. And, this unit added a few more pieces that could help them remain near the top of the league. 

Quinton Jefferson comes over from the Jets and joins a D-line that includes reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush are NFL veterans and new additions to the linebacking corps.

2024-25 Cleveland Browns Win Total 

• Over 8.5 (-135)
• Under 8.5 (+105)

The Browns enter the season with the hardest schedule in the league (.547). Although they have a great defense, this might be a difficult challenge for the team to overcome and make the Playoffs. The AFC North will be a war of attrition and I don’t see anyone winning more than four games. 

A Week 10 Bye helps to split the season in half, which could aid the Browns in feeling rejuvenated for a strong second half of the year. Cleveland does have some winnable games over the first half of the season as they should beat the Giants, Raiders, and Commanders. I’m not sure that they can beat Dallas in Week 1, and I don’t see them beating the Eagles, Bengals and Ravens. 

With that said, this team should go 4-5 over their first nine games and head into the Bye Week just one game under .500 on the season. Following the Bye, Cleveland plays the NFC South New Orleans Saints which should be a win. A split with the Steelers and a win over Denver could put the Browns at seven wins heading into December. 

However, they play the Chiefs, Bengals, Dolphins and Ravens over the final four weeks of the season. It’s entirely possible that Cleveland picks up a few unexpected wins. But I don’t see them coming at the end of the season. 

The reality is, I’m having a hard time seeing the Browns win 9 games on the year. It’s going to be close either way, but I’m taking the Under and the plus-money odds. The Browns look poised for an 8-9 season; 9-8 at best. 

Under 8.5 wins (+105)

2024-25 Cleveland Browns Record After 5 Games

• 3 Wins (+200)
• 2 Wins (+230)
• 4 Wins (+275)
• 1 Win (+500)
• 5 Wins (+900)
• 0 Wins (+2500)

Cleveland opens the season against Dallas before taking on the AFC South’s Jaguars, Giants, Raiders and Commanders. That’s a 4-1 start to the year and fans feeling great as Fall arrives. Unfortunately, the Browns will fall in the standings after their first five games as they face Philly, Cincinnati and Baltimore. For this bet, I like the Browns to pick up four wins over their first five games. If you want to lower your risk on this wager, then take the three wins option.

Bet: 4 Wins (+275)

Will The Cleveland Browns Make The 2024-25 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (+145)
• No (-180)

Although Cleveland went 11-6 last year and earned a Wild Card spot, I don’t see a postseason appearance happening this year. With such a deep conference, AFC teams will need at least 10 wins to earn a Wild Card spot. I don’t believe the Browns will have double-digit wins on the year. I struggle to see this team finishing above .500 on the season. 

Bet: No (-180)

2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Season Preview

If, at the outset of last season, we had told you that the Pittsburgh Steelers would use three different starters at quarterback, including a youngster whose development was such that they got rid of him after the season, and they would still make the Playoffs, you would’ve called us crazy. But that’s what happened. 

This year, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were brought in to revamp the quarterback room as the rest of the QBs were shipped out. Both came over in trades as Wilson was sent packing from Denver and Fields was replaced by the NFC North’s Chicago Bears. 

The Steelers should have a running game to support their QBs as Najee Harris plods along as a runner (4.1 ypc), but he’s been a workhorse. Jaylen Warren was a revelation, with 5.3 yards per carry. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the former Atlanta head coach, brings a run heavy philosophy that should be well-received in Pittsburgh.

The wide receiver group features George Picks and newcomers Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and rookie Roman Wilson. They did lose Diontae Johnson to the Panthers. 

The Steelers are trying to build an offensive line for the future, and you might see two rookie starters right away in tackle Troy Fautanu and center Zach Frazier. Those were the first two draft picks of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh allowed 19.1 points per game, which was pretty strong, and there are a lot of playmakers on the defense. TJ Watt is the ringleader, with 19 sacks, but Alex Highsmith can wreak some havoc and Patrick Queen was signed as a free agent. They need for D-lineman Cameron Heyward and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to bounce back from injury.

2024-25 Pittsburgh Steelers Win Total 

• Over 8.5 (+125)
• Under 8.5 (-155)

Like the Browns, the Steelers are also listed with an O/U of 8.5 wins. Additionally, also like the Browns, Pittsburgh has one of the toughest schedules in the league (.533). If Pittsburgh can get high-quality play from their quarterbacks, then this team should be in the Playoffs again. 

A Week 9 Bye separates the season into two halves. The first half looks very winnable for the Steelers with some favorable matchups against inferior teams like the Broncos, Giants, and Raiders. A first week contest against the Falcons is a toss-up, but I give the edge to the Steelers. I like for this team to go 5-3 heading into their Bye Week. 

The second half of the season is going to be brutal. They play all six of their divisional games in the second half, including games against the Eagles and Chiefs. It’s easy to see why Steelers fans and critics were angered with how the schedule makers seemingly punished Pittsburgh. 

Last year, Pittsburgh went 5-1 in the AFC North. I don’t see that happening this year. At best, they will go 3-3 in the division. With that said, I believe Pittsburgh can squeak out at least nine wins on the year. If they go 3-3 in the North, and beat Washington right after the Bye, that’s nine wins. I like the plus-money odds for the Over and waiving my terrible towel with this NFL prop bet. 

Bet: Over 8.5 wins (+125)

2024-25 Pittsburgh Steelers Record After 5 Games

• 2 Wins (+200)
• 3 Wins (+200)
• 4 Wins (+350)
• 1 Win (+450)
• 5 Wins (+1200)
• 0 Wins (+1800)

I see the Steelers beating the Falcons, Broncos, Chargers, and Colts before losing to the Cowboys in Week 5. It’s entirely possible that Pittsburgh trips up against a team like Los Angeles, but the Chargers are retooling under new leadership and will have a Baltimore-style offense for which the Steelers are accustomed to. Call me crazy, but I’m taking Pittsburgh to go 4-1 to start off the season.

Bet: 4 Wins (+350)

Will The Pittsburgh Steelers Make The 2024-25 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (+190)
• No (-240)

As of now, I have the Steelers at 9-8. At best, they go 10-7, which would be good enough to contend for a Wild Card spot. With that said, the smart play is on Pittsburgh to come up short and miss out on the postseason. I suggest keeping an eye on these odds throughout the year. This is a Playoff-bubble team and you might be able to find some great value on either option as the season progresses. 

Bet: No (-240)

2024 Cincinnati Bengals Season Preview

Last season, was a disappointing one for the Cincinnati Bengals as they finished last in the division at 9-8 and missed the Playoffs. However, the silver lining to that is the fact that they played most of the year without franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, who broke his wrist. Todd Browning did a commendable job in his place and almost led them to the postseason.  

It should be mentioned that Burrow is not all the way back. He talks very optimistically about being ready by Week 1, but there is some concern over how ready this offense will be to start the year. 

The biggest drama in the division surrounded the Bengals’ receiving group. We saw that Tyler Boyd wanted out of town, and the Bengals accommodated him. Ja’Marr Chase, legitimately a premier wideout (100 catches for 1216 yards last year), would like to get a contract extension. And he is sitting and watching what happens to other guys who may be in his class, like fellow former Bayou Bengal Justin Jefferson. 

But at least he showed up at mini-camp. Absent from those activities was Tee Higgins, who wants out of Cincy since they won’t give him the contract extension that he’s asking for. 

Joe Mixon, who has been a Pro Bowl performer in the past, has shipped out, so Cincy had to make a move in the backfield. Maybe the acquisition of Zack Moss makes that a wash; maybe it doesn’t. Moss had 794 rushing yards last season, splitting time in the Indianapolis backfield with Jonathan Taylor.

The offensive line had been a huge concern for Cincinnati, even in their Super Bowl year, and they allowed 50 sacks last season. Burrow needs better protection than that. The Bengals were active, bringing in former Patriot Trent Brown to vie for one of the tackle positions, and they may hit big on another tackle, Amarius Mims, who they took in the first round out of Georgia.

You can spin things if you like, but there’s no disguising the fact that this team needs to improve its numbers on the defensive side of the football. Cincinnati was 31^st in yards allowed. And they were well-balanced using that measurement, in that they were 28th in pass defense and 26th in rushing defense. 

In the offseason, they took some steps to address it. They added Sheldon Rankins as a free agent (from Houston) and drafted DT’s Kris Jenkins Jr. (Michigan) and McKinnley Jackson (Texas A&M), so they are definitely committed to containing the run. Safety Geno Stone was part of that great Baltimore defense last season, and not a small contributor either, as he pulled down seven interceptions. 

2024-25 Cincinnati Bengals Win Total 

• Over 10.5 (-135)
• Under 10.5 (+105)

Unlike the other three teams in the division, the Bengals have an easier strength of schedule as they come in tied for 16^th (.502), compared to the other AFC North that have the most difficult schedules. With that said, do you guys really think that Cincinnati is going to win 11 or more games?

The Bengals went 9-8 last year with an atrocious defense and a quarterback not named Burrow. Although they lost some key pieces, Moss should be serviceable in replacing Mixon and there are multiple young receivers that can fill in for the departed Boyd. 

Now that Burrow is back and the defense added some pieces, it’s hard to think there won’t be some improvement. Looking at their schedule, this team has a real shot to make some noise in the AFC as long as Burrow remains upright and healthy. 

A Week 12 Bye is going to help this team as they basically get the Thanksgiving week off to rest and recover. Of their first 11 games, prior to the Bye, this team should go at least 7-4. With their final six games, I see at least 4-2, if not 5-1. That closing stretch will see Cincy play the Steelers twice, Cowboys, Titans, Browns and Broncos. 

There’s a clear path to 11 or more wins for the Bengals and that starts with a returning Burrow. I like the Over 10.5 wins for this prop bet. 

Bet: Over 10.5 wins (-135)

2024-25 Cincinnati Bengals Record After 5 Games

• 3 Wins (+165)
• 4 Wins (+225)
• 2 Wins (+275)
• 5 Wins (+750)
• 1 Win (+800)
• 0 Wins (+4000)

The Bengals play the Patriots, Chiefs, Commanders, Panthers and Ravens over their first five weeks. That’s an easy 3-2 start. In fact, if they can steal one against the Ravens at home, then we’re looking at 4-1 to kickoff the season. Let’s play it safe and go with the 3 Wins. If you see in preseason that this team looks great with Burrow back, then hop on the 4 Wins option. 

Bet: 3 Wins (+165)

Will The Cincinnati Bengals Make The 2024-25 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (-240)
• No (+190)

As you can see from above, I am a believer in Cincy’s postseason chances. The only question to me is whether they win the AFC North or a Wild Card spot. As for this prop bet, the “Yes” option is the choice. As for winning the division, continue reading below.

Bet: Yes (-240)

AFC North Division Odds

• Baltimore Ravens +125
• Cincinnati Bengals +165
• Cleveland Browns +550
• Pittsburgh Steelers +700

The reality is that the AFC North is going to be a two-team race, just like the NFC East. Although all of the teams in the division have the potential to finish the season with a winning record, the Ravens and the Bengals look like the cream of the crop. They also have the two best quarterbacks in the division as well. And, we all know that the NFL is a quarterback driven league. 

With that in mind, I believe Baltimore is the most complete team in the division. Sure, they have some questions on defense, but this offense will be a juggernaut and make up for any decline in defensive play. The coaching is solid, the special teams are elite, and we know the front office is committed to making moves needed to win. 

The Ravens are the team to beat in the division and I expect Jackson to lead this team to their 8^th division crown since the 2002 realignment. 

Bet: Baltimore Ravens +125

AFC North Exact Order Of The Division

As mentioned, the Ravens and Bengals will finish first and second. So, the battle is for the third spot, which the Browns are favored to land. However, I disagree. I like the Steelers to finish at least third in the division. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Pittsburgh challenge the Bengals for second in the North. 

Bet: Ravens 1st (+125), Bengals 2nd (+170), Steelers 3rd (+240), Browns 4th (+140)

AFC North Division Top 2 Finishing Position

• Baltimore Ravens & Cincinnati Bengals (-120)
• Baltimore Ravens & Cleveland Browns (+400)
• Baltimore Ravens & Pittsburgh Steelers (+500)
• Cincinnati Bengals & Cleveland Browns (+550)
• Cincinnati Bengals & Pittsburgh Steelers (+800)
• Cleveland Browns & Pittsburgh Steelers (+2200)

As we sit here in the summer, looking over these AFC North prop bets, the Ravens and the Bengals are in the best position to finish in the top two spots. Jackson and Burrow are the best quarterbacks, and each team have the weapons on offense to hang with any team in the NFL. Just don’t sleep on the Steelers this year. Be vigilant in their preseason action. 

Bet: Baltimore Ravens & Cincinnati Bengals (-120)