AFC North Odds to Win the Division for the 2021 NFL Season
The AFC North featured three playoff teams in 2020 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns all advancing. Cleveland and Baltimore both made it to the divisional round before bowing out.
There's no clear favorite among the three heading into the 2021 campaign. Baltimore has the best odds to win the AFC North on WynnBET at +105, but Cleveland (+175) and Pittsburgh (+375) aren't far behind. The Cincinnati Bengals are long shots at +1500, which means if you bet $100 on the Bengals you win $1500 if they win the division.
I think the Browns have the best roster in the NFL if we ignore QB. Baker Mayfield took a big step forward last season and another leap in 2021 could get them in Super Bowl contention. https://t.co/fneVDXG2wb
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) March 23, 2021
The Ravens have been quiet in terms of additions. Nabbing guard Kevin Zeitler and re-signing lineback Tyson Bowser have been among their only moves. Addressing wide receiver was a need, but Baltimore struck out on top-end targets, settling for Sammy Watkins. They also lost pass-rushers Matt Judon and Yannick Ngakoue.
Cleveland already boasts one of the most talented rosters in the league, and they'll welcome back a healthy Odell Beckham Jr. to start next season. That didn't stop them from adding depth, especially on defense. The team's signing of safety John Johnson has been heralded as one of the best moves in free agency. They're primed for a Super Bowl run if Baker Mayfield continues his positive development.
The Steelers' offseason was dominated by Ben Roethlisberger contract drama. He is now confirmed as the team's starter in 2021, but the cash-strapped team saw key defensive departures in cornerback Mike Hilton and linebacker Bud Dupree. Pittsburgh was able to retain JuJu Smith-Schuster despite the Ravens' pursuit of him. They're seemingly a lock to address running back in the NFL Draft, filling out the offense for another year with Big Ben under center.
The biggest focus of Cincinnati's 2021 campaign will be the return of No. 1 pick Joe Burrow following an ACL tear. The Bengals have been busy this offseason building up their defense. They landed sack machine Trey Hendrickson while stealing Hilton from Pittsburgh and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi from Cleveland. Cincy will likely continue to invest in Burrow's success by selecting a top offensive lineman or wide receiver with the No. 5 pick in the draft.