AFC North: Three Team Race for Division Title
The AFC North will be highly competitive during the 2015 NFL regular season with three teams – Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals -battling for the top spot.
At the same time, the Cleveland Browns will continue to be the castoff of the division as they have been of late.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore in 2014 finished 10-6 SU and 7-8-1 ATS. The Ravens odds to win the division are 5 to 4. Odds makers have given Baltimore a win total of 9.
Why the Ravens: The Ravens are only two years removed from their last Super Bowl title. The team has reached the postseason in six of the past seven years. Last year the defense, although completely rebuilt, was No. 8 in the NFL.
Why not: Baltimore had secondary problems last season and could again this season. Quarterback Joe Flacco is hot and cold never that consistent.Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals were 10-5-1 SU and 8-7-1 ATS in 2014. Cincinnati’s odds to win the division are 12 to 5, while their win total is 8.5.
Why the Bengals: If the Bengals can keep their receivers on the field and not in the infirmary they will be tough. The Bengals also have two strong rushers, playoff experience and stability on the coaching staff.
Why not: Four consecutive playoff losses in the first round. That means when the real deal arrives, they shy away. The Bengals are better than non-playoff teams, but have not proved that to playoff teams.
Cleveland Browns
Last season, the Browns were 7-9 SU and 9-5-2 ATS. Cleveland’s odds to win the division are 20 to 1, while their win total is on 6.5.
Why the Brown: Â The Browns looked good for half of last season at 6-3 after 9 games. However, they lost every game following Thanksgiving. The defense is solid, the offensive line is strong and they usually play consistent football.
Why not: Problems at quarterback are haunting the Browns. They must overcome the 0-7 end to last season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Last season the Steelers were 11-5 SU and 9-7 ATS. The odds to win the division for Pittsburgh are 2 to 1. The team’s win total is set at 8.5.
Why the Steelers:Mike Tomlin the head coach believes his offense could be the league’s best. Ben Roethlisberger is an exceptional quarterback and Antonio Brown outstanding at wide receiver.
Why not:Maurkice Pouncey the all pro center for the Steelers will not play for at least 8 games due to injury. The Pittsburgh defense looks to be uncharacteristically weak. The run defense is very weak.
Pick:
- Steelers
- Ravens
- Bengals
- Browns
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