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AFC North Betting Preview
Odds Favor Ravens to Win Division
2010-2011
The AFC North experienced something new last year when the Bengals dominated
everyone else. I don't think the words "Bengals" and "dominated" have ever been
used in the same sentence until now. The Steelers had an uncommon bad year, but
in the past they have rebounded on those types of seasons to play very well. The
Baltimore Ravens advanced to the playoffs with a wildcard bid where they
thrashed the Patriots before exiting in the second round. The Browns, as usual,
were lacking. They inhabited the basement once again in 2009. Last year is over,
and everyone has a chance in 2010. Let's break down the AFC North and its teams
this year!
Current Odds to win AFC North Courtesy of Sportsbook.com
Cincinnati Bengals - (Odds to win AFC North +350)
It's going to be impossible for this team to improve on last year's 6-0 division
record, but they hold a strong hand in terms of repeating as the AFC North
champs. Many credible sources say this is the best team in the history of the
club. They add Terrell Owens, Antonio Bryant, Jermaine Gresham, and Jordan
Shipley on offense. They will also have last years first round pick Andre Smith
on the offensive line. The defense returns nearly intact after finishing in the
top 5 of the entire NFL last year. Pac Man Jones could help on defense, and DE
Antwan Odom will be a force on the line after missing much of the last two
seasons.
The offense for this team will get much of its power from stud RB Cedric Benson.
He literally carried this team on offense last year. He will have a lighter load
this year thanks to the signing of several key WRs and a stronger offensive
line. QB Carson Palmer posted elite stats the last few years, but was average at
best last season. In his defense, he didn't have many weapons, but the front
office went out and got him T.O., Shipley, Gresham, and Bryant. Throw Ocho Cinco
in the mix and he has no excuses for a nonproductive year. If the offense
reaches its full potential and the defense reproduces last year's effort then
the Bengals will toy with their AFC North foes. If the offense is lacking then
they will struggle.
The Bengals downfall in the playoffs against the Jets last year was plain and simple, a lack of targets to throw to. It was a one dimensional attack that was easy to bottle up. This year, courtesy of a playoff appearance, they have the 4th toughest schedule in the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens - (Odds to win AFC North -145)
Despite a 9-7 record in 2009, the Ravens made strides. They earned a wildcard
bid to the playoffs and made good use of it when they thrashed a strong Patriots
team. The Ravens used their always strong defense combined with a good running
effort to win games. They have a very capable QB in Joe Flacco. The young man is
the best QB they've had in years and could develop into one of the best in the
NFL. He has better weapons this year thanks to the additions of Donte Stallworth
and Anquian Bouldin. TE Todd Heap is also going to be a big help. Also note, 5
of their 7 losses a year ago were by a field goal or less.
If the passing game goes cold for this team they can turn to star RB Ray Rice.
The Rutgers alum is a small, but very effective runner. The Ravens backfield
also includes Willis McGahee, and Le'Ron McClain. The defense for Baltimore is
still top notch. Ray Lewis is still great at 35, and Terrell Suggs is no slouch
either. They added Terrence Cody in the draft. College football fans will
remember him as the guy who blocked a would be game winning FG for Alabama
against Tennessee. As the odds indicate, the Baltimore Ravens have got a big
chance to take the AFC North.
Pittsburgh Steelers - (Odds to win AFC North +240) -
Who would've thought we'd ever get this good of a price on the Steelers this day
in age? Given the scandals that have rocked Roethlisburger it isn't very
surprising. The star QB is going to miss at least 4 games and perhaps 6 due to
suspension by NFL. In his absence Dennis Dixon or Byron Leftwich will be
starting at QB. We will lean towards Leftwich given his experience. Regardless
of who plays, the Steelers will have to play the Falcons, Titans, and Ravens in
Big Ben's absence. There is very little room for error. It's hard to advise a
wager with so many unknowns about this club.
It's been said that teammates are tired of Big Ben's behavior. In fact many, including Hines Ward, have criticized him openly, and this goes back to BEFORE the latest incident. He's had to apologize to fans and teammates, and while things may appear to be all rosy right now, don't count on it. Talent is important, but so is team chemistry. The Steelers lack in that department going into 2010-2011.
Cleveland Browns - (Odds to win AFC North +1800) - As hard
as it may be to believe, things won't get any better for Browns fans. There are
some things they can get excited about though. Colt McCoy will be a nice
starting QB in the future. Mike Holmgrem will have this franchise headed in the
right direction very soon, but 2010 isn't the year for them.
To review, it looks like the AFC North will be a battle between the Ravens and
Bengals. The Steelers have an outside shot, but contending with the loss of Big
Ben for the first six games could be too much to overcome, not to mention the
lack of team chemistry. The Browns are on the move, but still need a couple of
years. If there's a futures play to win the division that has any value, it
would have to be the Bengals at odds of almost 4/1 (+350).
