The AFC North put two teams in the Playoffs last year with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the two played each other in the Wild Card Round and the Ravens would pick up the victory.

Additionally, it was the Ravens that won the AFC North for a second straight season and 8^th overall. Yet, the Steelers hold the record for the most division titles in the AFC North with 24.

Last year, the Cincinnati Bengals fell one game shy of clinching a Wild Card spot. The Cleveland Browns finished in the basement of the division and were one of the worst teams in the NFL.

This year, the Ravens enter the season as the NFL betting favorites to win the AFC North and to contend for the AFC Championship. In fact, they’re up there with the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills as AFC favorites to appear in the Super Bowl.  

With that said, let’s take a look at the latest AFC North odds, courtesy of the top sports betting sites, make our 2025-26 AFC North division predictions and compare some of the picks from the best handicappers.

What Teams Are In The AFC North?

The following four NFL teams are in the AFC North

• Baltimore Ravens: 8 division titles, last won in 2024
• Cincinnati Bengals: 11 division titles, last won in 2022
• Pittsburgh Steelers: 24 division titles, last won in 2020
• Cleveland Browns: 6 division titles, last won in 1989

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AFC North Division

2025 Baltimore Ravens Season Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 30.1 ppg (3), 426.5 ypg (1), 73.97% RZ TDs (1)
• 2024-25 Defense: 21.2 ppg (8), 319.2 ypg (8), 0.9 TO (27)

Last year, the Baltimore Ravens had one of the best offenses in the NFL. Unfortunately, they fell short in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs at Buffalo. This year, that offense should be near the top of the league, once again.

It starts with a physically dominant offensive line that not only protects well, but they steamroll the defense with the to rushing attack. King Henry and Lamar Jackson will both look to establish a lethal running game to complement the passing attack which added DeAndre Hopkins to the receiving unit.

The defense was Top 10 except for turnovers. They failed to generated one turnover per game on average, but excelled in most other categories. This side of the ball is where the Ravens have taken a step towards elite with a few key moves.

In the Draft, the Ravens selected Safety Malaki Starks and Edge Rusher Mike Green who fell from the first-round projections to the latter picks of the second round. But the biggest addition to Baltimore this offseason was signing corner Jaire Alexander after he parted ways with the Packers.

Baltimore has infused this secondary with talent that will greatly help this defense become Top 5 in the league. You combine that kind of defensive dominance with their offense, and you are looking at one of the best teams in the NFL.

Baltimore Ravens Win Total

• Over 11.5 (-115)
• Under 11.5 (-105)

We’re going to see what Baltimore is made of right away as their toughest part of the schedule is the first six weeks of the season. Over that stretch, they will play the Bills, Browns, Lions, Chiefs, Texans and Rams.

That’s five playoff teams and a divisional rival in the first six weeks. Not only that, I have all those teams but the Browns winning their respective divisions.

The Ravens should go at least 3-3 over that six-game stretch with wins over the Browns, Texans and Bills or Lions.

Their middle stretch is a series of matchups against the Bears, Dolphins, Vikings and Jets. That should be four wins and a 7-3 record. From there, I see the Ravens closing out the season strong by winning five of their six games. They play the Bengals and Steelers twice, along with the Patriots and Packers.

I’m taking Baltimore to go at least 12-5 this season. If you can get this O/U at 10.5 that would be perfect. As an 11-6 record isn’t out of the question with this schedule.

Bet: Over 11.5 (-115)

Will The Baltimore Ravens Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (-550)
• No (+375)

The Ravens are the second largest odds-on favorites to make the Playoffs; they’re just behind the Buffalo Bills at -800. I see this team on a mission to get revenge for falling short last season. They’re loaded on both sides of the ball.

It’s not a matter of “if” they make the Playoffs. Rather, it’s all about how far they can go.

Bet: Yes (-550)

2025 Pittsburgh Steelers Season Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 21.9 ppg (20), 317.2 ypg (23), 48.21% RZ TDs (29)
• 2024-25 Defense: 20.8 ppg (7), 334.3 ypg (15), 1.8 TO (2)

If it weren’t for this Pittsburgh defense, the Steelers would’ve finished with a losing record. The defense played superb last season even if it doesn’t show up in the stats.

There are some concerns about this side of the ball entering the season as they lost some key contributors like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Elandon Roberts, Preston Smith and Larry Ogunjobi. However, they did add Malik Harris, Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, and Juan Thornhill. They also drafted DT Derrick Harmon who was highly graded coming out of Oregon.

I think there’s still enough talent in Pittsburgh for this defense to be Top 10, but it might take time for the new pieces to gel.

Offensively, this team could be a nightmare. They’re putting all of their hopes in the elder Aaron Rodgers who won’t be much of an improvement over Wilson. They added DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith to the passing game, which will help.

Although they lost Najee Harris via free agency, this team added Kenneth Gainwell and drafted Kaleb Johnson out of Iowa. I think the running game will be even more dynamic than before.

The problem is the passing game, especially the pass protection. I have serious doubts about this offensive line holding up and Rodgers’ level of play. I think this will be a down year for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers Win Total

• Over 8.5 (-105)
• Under 8.5 (-115)

The Steelers have a manageable first half of the season where they should beat the Jets, Seahawks, Vikings, Browns and Colts. A 5-3 record at the midway point could be in reach. However, things will get much tougher in the second half of the season.

Over their final nine games, the Steelers will play the Chargers, Bears, Bills, Dolphins, Lions, Browns, Bengals, and Ravens twice. They will be lucky to get four wins.

I don’t see this team finishing with 10 or more wins on the season. At best, they go 9-8. If you can find a Win total of 9.5, then take that. This one is right on the button and could go either way. However, I’m going to lean towards the Under.

Bet: Under 8.5 (-115)

Will The Pittsburgh Steelers Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (+135)
• No (-165)

If they don’t win at least 10 games, then the Steelers have no shot at making the Playoffs. Last year, they made it as a Wild Card. This year, they will be lucky to get to a .500 record on the season. I don’t see an Aaron Rodgers led Steelers team making the postseason.

Bet: No (-165)

2025 Cincinnati Bengals Season Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 27.8 ppg (7), 365.6 ypg (9), 63.93% RZ TDs (5)
• 2024-25 Defense: 25.5 ppg (25), 348.2 ypg (25), 1.5 TO (7)

The Cincinnati Bengals fell one game shy of a Wild Card spot last year. They made a furious rush late in the season but came up short. This year, this team looks like they could be Playoff bound if the defense holds up and Joe Burrow can stay upright.

Cincy had a Top 10 offense last year with Burrow lighting up the scoreboards on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, the defense failed to hold leads or stop elite offenses.

The Bengals are hoping to get off to a fast start offensively and win by outscoring their opponents. Their biggest moves on this side of the ball were to re-sign Chase, Higgins and Gesicki. The addition of RB Samaje Perine provides solid depth.

But this team will go as far as their defense takes them. In other words, Cincy might need to apply a bend but don’t break approach and hope to keep the opposition out of the endzone despite giving up lots of yards.  

Cincy ranked in the bottom third of the league for most major defensive categories. They will be lucky to crack the Top 25 this year. The Bengals are having contractual issues with their best defender in Hendrickson. They also might not get their first round pick this year, as Stewart is contemplating returning to College.

Speaking of their draft, it was bad. At best, they earned a C-minus grade. Realistically, they might have one player who earns a starting role and that’s OG Dylan Fairchild as Cincy’s offensive line needs upgraded.

With so many holes on this roster, it’s hard to see them making the Playoffs. And, yet, they still have Burrow-Chase-Higgins combo which could be just enough to earn a Wild Card.

Cincinnati Bengals Win Total

• Over 9.5 (-130)
• Under 9.5 (+100)

The Bengals will need to get out to a hot start this season as their back-half of the schedule has some tough matchups with three games in a row against the Ravens (twice) and Bills.

I see this team starting off 3-3 before the improve in the win column. They should get by the browns, Jaguars and Vikings before losing to the Broncos, Lions and Packers.

Four games against the Steelers (twice), Jets, and Bears could produce three more wins which catapults them to 6-4. Then a four-game stretch against the Patriots, Ravens (twice) and Bills could end up dropping them to 7-7 on the year.

Fortunately, I see the Bengals winning out on the season as they play the Dolphins, Cardinals and Browns to close out the year. Conservatively, this team should finish 10-7. Yet, if they can steal one against the Ravens then it’s an easy 11-win season. Either way, take the Over.

Bet: Over 9.5 (-130)

Will The Cincinnati Bengals Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (-150)
• No (+120)

As for the Playoffs, I like the Bengals to steal one of the final Wild Card spots after closing out the season with those three wins. Their defense will be a liability all season long, but it should hold up enough against inferior teams.

Take the Bengals to make the Playoffs by one game, which is the opposite of last year’s failed late-season attempt.

Bet: Yes (-150)

2025 Cleveland Browns Season Preview

• 2024-25 Offense: 15.2 ppg (32), 300.8 ypg (28), 48.65% RZ TDs (27)
• 2024-25 Defense: 25.6 ppg (27), 342.1 ypg (18), 0.7 TO (30)

The Cleveland Browns went 3-14 last year, and had one of the worst teams in football. Their once-elite defense dropped to the bottom of the league, while their offense was arguably the worst in football.

Unfortunately for the Dawg Pound, Cleveland didn’t do much this offseason to make this roster a winning one. In fact, it’s hard to see how this team improves much on last year’s record.

Let’s start with that awful offense. The Browns added Joe Flacco, Kenny Picked and Dionte Jackson this offseason. They also drafted QBs Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Add in Deshaun Watson, and this team has five subpar QBs on a bad offense. It’s hard to be hopeful about the rookies in an organization that’s not known for developing QBs.

Making things even worse for the Browns, is talented running back Quinshon Judkins was arrested on domestic violence and was told to stay home by the team. The Ohio State rookie was expected to take the reigns as the starting RB.

Defensively, the Browns did draft Mason Graham from Cleveland who will pair nicely with a rich Myles Garrett. But that won’t be enough to get this defense back to Top 10 status from a few years back.

Sorry Cleveland fans, but this team is a hot mess and needs a complete reset from the top down.

Cleveland Browns Win Total

• Over 5.5 (+115)
• Under 5.5 (-145)

The only games that the Browns have any shot at winning is against the Dolphins, Jets, Raiders, and Titans. Plus, they always seem to trip up a divisional foe at least one time during the season. So, that’s five wins at best. However, I don’t think it’s a guarantee that they can beat the Jets or Dolphins.

This roster is one of the worst in the league. It’s almost as if they are already tanking for the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Take the Under!

Bet: Under 5.5 (-145)

Will The Cleveland Browns Make The 2025-26 NFL Playoffs?

• Yes (+850)
• No (-1600)

The Browns are tied with the Saints as the biggest longshot to make the Playoffs. That should give you a better idea of just how bad this team is.

It would be an absolute miracle like Jesus walking on water for the Browns to make the postseason this year. In fact, I don’t see Cleveland making the Playoffs for at least 2-3 more years, and that really depends on who the QB and head coach are.

Bet: No (-1600)

AFC North Division Odds

• Baltimore Ravens -150
• Cincinnati Bengals +230
• Pittsburgh Steelers +550
• Cleveland Browns +3000

The Baltimore Ravens are my NFL pick to win the AFC North. They were the best team in the division last year, and I expect them to be the best in the North this season, as well. The Ravens have added talent to the defensive side of the ball which was inconsistent at times last year. Now, they can be a Top 10 unit to go along with a Top 5 offense.

The Browns will finish in the basement. The only question is if they can win three or four games. The Bengals and Steelers will fight it out for second place, but you have to like Cincy in that battle. Ultimately, both will fall short of taking down the Ravens.

Baltimore will win their third straight AFC North crown, and 9^th overall.

NFL Bet: Baltimore Ravens (-150)

AFC North Exact Order Of The Division

As I mentioned above, the Ravens are winning the AFC North title. As you can see, they’re favored by a considerable margin over the Bengals and Steelers.

The only other certainty in this division is that the Browns will finish last. They have the longest odds to win a division and to make the Playoffs.

The battle is for second place with the Bengals holding a slight edge over the Steelers. In reality, Cincy’s defense or Pittsburgh’s offense will step up to help their team finish second in the AFC North. Both units are pegged to struggle this year, so whichever one plays better will help their team finish runner up. And, I like the Bengals there.

Bet: Ravens 1st (-150), Bengals 2nd (+160), Steelers 3rd (+140), Browns 4th (-240)

AFC North Division Top 2 Finishing Position

• Baltimore Ravens & Cincinnati Bengals (-120)
• Baltimore Ravens & Pittsburgh Steelers (+200)
• Cincinnati Bengals & Pittsburgh Steelers (+700)
• Baltimore Ravens & Cleveland Browns (+1100)
• Cincinnati Bengals & Cleveland Browns (+4000)
• Pittsburgh Steelers & Cleveland Browns (+6000)

I’ve laid out a few times now, but the Ravens and Bengals should finish as the top two teams in the AFC North. The only thing that could disrupt that outcome is if the Steelers play above expectations and surpass the Bengals for second.

Baltimore will win this division, but the Bengals will need to work hard for the runner up spot. It won’t be handed to them.

Bet: Baltimore Ravens & Cincinnati Bengals (-120)

AFC North Season Matchups

Baltimore Ravens Series Matchups

I see the Baltimore Ravens going at least 4-2 in the division just like last year. They should sweep the Browns this season and split with the Bengals or Steelers. I could also see Baltimore sweeping these two opponents as well. With that said, play it safe and take the splits.

Bet: 2-0 vs. Cle (-200), 1-1 vs. Pitt (+240), 1-1 vs. Cin (+130)

Cincinnati Bengals Series Matchups

I like for the Bengals to go 4-2 in the division, as well. I think they can sweep Cleveland and split with both the Steelers and Ravens. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if they dropped one to the Browns, as well. Nevertheless, I like a 4-2 AFC North record, finishing second in the division, and making the Playoffs for Cincy this year.

Bet: 2-0 vs. Cle (NA), 1-1 vs. Pitt (+130), 1-1 vs. Bal (+135)

Pittsburgh Steelers Series Matchups

The Steelers will go 3-3 at best in the AFC North this year. They will be lucky to split with the Ravens and Bengals, but I can see it happening since Cincy has a bad defense and the Ravens could slip up.

However, I think the Steelers are prone to a loss against Cleveland. Pittsburgh’s offense isn’t great and that offensive line could get manhandled by Garrett and company.

Bet: 1-1 vs. Bal (+240), 1-1 vs. Cle (+125), 1-1 vs. Cin (+130)

Cleveland Browns Series Matchups

Heading into the preseason, I like for the Browns to go 1-5 in the AFC North. I see Cleveland getting swept by both the Bengals and Ravens, while tripping up the Steelers at home in Week 17. Especially since Pittsburgh won’t be making the Playoffs.

Bet: 0-2 vs. Bal (-200), 1-1 vs. Pitt (+125), 0-2 vs. Cin (NA)

AFC North Champions

The Pittsburgh Steelers hold the record for the most North titles with 24. The Baltimore Ravens are the defending division champions. The following is a list of the most recent AFC North winners: