Last year, the Baltimore Ravens were the best team in the NFL during the regular season and crushed the AFC North along the way. However, things might be a little bit more competitive this year as the Steelers and the Browns have made some roster upgrades.
With that in mind, online sports betting sites still have the Ravens listed as a sizable favorite to win the AFC North over the rest of the teams. Let’s huddle up and examine the chances of Pittsburgh or Cleveland upsetting Baltimore this year.
How the AFC North teams got their colors #Steelers https://t.co/mb2MjhCgMm pic.twitter.com/NzpNi11Igs
— Blitzburgh (@RenegadeBlitz) August 15, 2020
NFL Betting Odds
The following betting odds are courtesy of BetOnline:
- Baltimore Ravens (-170)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (+340)
- Cleveland Browns (+400)
- Cincinnati Bengals (+2000)
Baltimore Ravens (-170)
- Over 11.5 wins (-125)
- Under 11.5 wins (-105)
The Baltimore Ravens were the best team in the NFL last year, but fell short of the lofty expectations when they suffered an upset loss to the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Round of the Playoffs.
Yet, that loss hasn’t shaken the confidence of this franchise nor the expectations heading into the 2020 season. In fact, they’re tied with the Kansas City Chiefs as the odds on favorites to win the AFC this year.
For the Ravens, they bring back the same loaded roster from last year but with a few key additions that could really make this team unbeatable most weekends.
Offensively, the key addition was drafting JK Dobbins in the 2nd round. The former Ohio State running back joins a crowded backfield led by Mark Ingram. Let’s not forget that this was the #1 rushing attack last year as they broke all sorts of NFL records. Dobbins makes them even better.
Baltimore also made some big moves on the defensive side of the ball most notably by upgrading the d-line through trading for Calais Campbell and signing free agent Derek Wolfe. This improved front four will definitely create havoc for opposing offenses.
Additionally, Baltimore looks to have their next great linebacker as they drafted Patrick Queen from LSU in the 1st round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has the playmaking ability and athleticism to be a franchise piece for years to come.
Ravens 2020 Schedule
Based on their opponents’ records from 2019, Baltimore has the easiest schedule this season. Yet, I caution fans and bettors as some of these opponents have improved greatly this offseason.
Baltimore opens the season with games against Cleveland, Houston, Kansas City, Washington, Philly, Cincy and Pittsburgh before Week 8 bye. I see the Ravens going at least 4-3, if not 5-2. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were 6-1.
Following the Bye Week, the Ravens have a tough five game stretch against the Colts, Patriots, Titans, Steelers and Cowboys. Yet, I see at least 3-2 in this stretch, if not 4-1.
The final month of the season is the easiest portion of the schedule as Baltimore takes on the Browns, Jags, Giants and Bengals. That’s an easy four wins which should keep them up there with the Chiefs for the best record in the AFC.
I see Baltimore going at least 12-4 this season with a ceiling of 14-2. They should easily go Over 11.5 wins and be one of the best teams in the AFC for the second straight year.
The rest of the AFC North teams will have an uphill climb to try and dethrone the Ravens for the division crown as Baltimore has won this division two straight years and six times since 2002’s realignment.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+340)
- Over 9.5 wins (+110)
- Under 9.5 wins (-140)
I’m really intrigued to see what the Pittsburgh Steelers will do this season as they get their leader back. Franchise QB Ben Roethlisberger returns from missing the majority of 2019 with an injury. Even with multiple backup QBs rotating in on offense, Pittsburgh still almost made the Playoffs last year.
With Big Ben back, this offense will be solid especially with the additions of free agent TE Eric Ebron and 2nd round draft pick WR Chase Claypool from Notre Dame. He’s built like a TE, but runs like a WR.
How does the Steelers defense stack up in the AFC North?@MarkKaboly and his colleagues rank each position group: https://t.co/QHU9iLpolK
— The Athletic Pittsburgh (@TheAthleticPGH) August 13, 2020
Defensively, Pittsburgh added some depth via trades and draft picks. However, they didn’t need much considering how stout the black and gold were last year on this side of the ball.
Ultimately, this season all comes down to Big Ben and his health.
Steelers 2020 Schedule
As mentioned with the Ravens above, I must caution those of you getting all excited over the Steelers having the 2nd easiest schedule this season.
Pittsburgh opens with games against the Giants, Broncos, Texans, Titans, Eagles, Browns and Ravens before a Week 8 bye. This is a tough first half of the season, but I do see Pittsburgh going at least 4-3, if not 5-2.
Following the Bye Week, the Steelers play Dallas, Cincy, the Jags, Baltimore and Washington. This is at least 3-2, possibly 4-1. I don’t know if the Steelers can beat the Ravens, but they should be able to beat the other teams in this stretch.
The final month of the 2020 season sees the Steelers take on Buffalo, Cincy, Indy and the Browns. That’s a 2-2 stretch or 3-1 at best.
It’s going to be close to the O/U of 9.5 wins. I can see Pittsburgh finishing the season as a 10-6 team or dropping to 9-7. With that said, Big Ben’s return should be enough to get this team to double digit wins and back into the Playoffs. Take the Over as Pitt goes 10-6 on the year.
The Steelers have won the AFC North eight times, but haven’t taken the divisional crown since 2017.
Cleveland Browns (+400)
- Over 8.5 wins (-135)
- Under 8.5 wins (+105)
Last year, the hype over the Cleveland Browns’ super team was so bad that bettors and fans were picking Cleveland to go to the Super Bowl. Well, that all crashed and burned by the end of September as the Browns stunk it up with a 6-10 overall record in 2019.
This year, there’s still a buzz, but probably ¼ of what last year’s hype was. Cleveland brought back the core of their talent and added a few pieces that could help provide depth and security.
For starters, the Browns hired Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach. Stefanski was the former Vikings offensive coordinator and should bring this team some stability on offense.
Next, Cleveland singed free agent Case Keenum to provide security behind Baker Mayfield in case the young QB struggles again. The Browns added to their o-line by signing Jack Conklin to play OT. They also gave Mayfield or Keenum another weapon by signing former Atlanta TE Austin Hooper.
Defensively, the Browns added DE Adrian Clayborn, LB B.J. Goodson, S Karl Joseph and DT Andrew Billings. These players will add depth and be part of a rotation along the defensive line. Although these moves aren’t flashy, they’re needed for a defense to go from good to great.
Browns 2020 Schedule
Cleveland supposedly has the 4th easiest schedule, but we already know how to approach this topic.
The Browns first four games are against Baltimore, Cincy, Washington and Dallas. I see a 2-2 record unless they can upset Dallas and go 3-1.
Their next four games are the Colts, Steelers, Bengals and Raiders. I see another 2-2 stretch for Cleveland who should be 4-4 heading into their Week 9 bye.
Following the Bye Week, Cleveland plays Houston, Philly, Jacksonville and Tennessee. This could be 1-3 or 2-2 depending on Houston.
The final four games of the season are the Ravens, Giants, Jets and Steelers, which is another 2-2 stretch. I can see Cleveland going anywhere from 7-9 to 9-7 on the season. Oddsmakers feel the same which is why they listed the O/U at 8.5 wins.
With that said, it’s going to be tough to get a 9th win, so go with the Under 8.5 wins on the season. Furthermore, making things even more depressing for Cleveland fans, the Browns have never won the AFC North division since its inception in 2002. That winless streak will continue this year as well.
Cincinnati Bengals (+2000)
- Over 5.5 wins (-130)
- Under 5.5 wins (+100)
The Cincinnati Bengals were the worst team last year, which led to Cincy drafting LSU QB Joe Burrow with the #1 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, the rookie will be tasked with saving a franchise that still needs a lot of help.
The Bengals were very fortunate to keep A.J. Green to give Burrow a #1 option. They also added former Clemson WR Tee Higgins in the draft this year. Burrow will have plenty of passing options and a strong running game, but the offensive line is still a big concern.
The defensive line is the strength on this side of the ball as they added a big time DT via free agency in D.J. Reader to go along with Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap. Cincy also signed free agent LB Josh Byrnes who played for the Ravens last year and will help upgrade the front seven.
The biggest overhaul for the Bengals came in their secondary as they signed S Von Bell, and DBs Mackensie Alexander, Leshaun Sims and Trae Waynes. Cincy’s secondary last year was the worst in the league.
Bengals 2020 Schedule
Cincy opens up the 2020 season with games against the Chargers, Browns, Eagles and Jaguars. I see the team going 1-3 as they can beat the Jaguars. The next four games are versus Baltimore, Indy, Cleveland and Tennessee. That’s a 0-4 stretch heading into the Bye Week.
Following the Bye, Cincy plays Pittsburgh, Washington, New York Giants and Miami. This is another 1-3 stretch as the Giants and Miami have better teams. The final four games are against Dallas, Pittsburgh, Houston and Baltimore. I expect Cincy to go 0-4 to close out the season.
At best, Cincy is 4-12. More than likely, I see this team going 3-13 or 2-14. They have some good pieces, but they won’t take a step towards becoming a winning team until year two of the Joe Burrow era. Take Under 5.5 wins.
The Bengals have won four AFC North titles with the last one coming in 2015. However, they’re several years away from competing for the divisional crown. Come back and see me in year four or five of the Burrow era and we’ll talk then.
Who Wins the AFC North in 2020?
Right off the bat, we can eliminate Cleveland because they’ve never won the AFC North and Cincy also because they’re still rebuilding for another year or two.
In reality, this year’s AFC North divisional crown comes down to Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Two bitter divisional rivals who have won 14 of the 18 titles since 2002. And, two rivals who often produce very compelling gridiron battles.
Guess you know now. pic.twitter.com/yDJXj71Lhe
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 17, 2020
With that said, I am taking Baltimore to win the AFC North and contend for the AFC championship with the Chiefs. I think this team is even better than last year’s dominant squad. Lamar Jackson is a beast of a QB and that running game is unstoppable. Their defense even improved as well.
As much as I like what Pittsburgh has going on with that defense and the return of Big Ben, I believe this is still Baltimore’s division to lose.
Who Wins the AFC North in 2020? –Baltimore Ravens (-170)
Rick Rockwell
As a longtime freelance writer, avid sports fan, former athlete, and experienced sports bettor, Rick Rockwell has risen up the ranks at GamblingSites.org to become the self-professed “King of the Blog” in his first year with the site. …
