The Pittsburgh Steelers won the AFC North division at 12-4 in 2020, while the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens both went 11-5. The Cincinnati Bengals showed life with rookie quarterback Joe Burrow, although they finished 4-11-1.
Cleveland and Baltimore advanced to the Divisional playoffs, where they dropped out, while the Steelers lost in the first round.
Odds to Win AFC North in 2021
Baltimore Ravens Team Preview 2021
The Ravens are favorites for the pennant at +125. Baltimore has the most productive rushing attack in the league, former MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, and a resilient defense.
The Ravens did not make any major offseason moves, Sammy Watkins being the marquee acquisition. Most recently a Kansas City Chief, Watkins can get behind the secondary regularly, though his durability is a concern.
Baltimore is always a threat for the title with their old-school, run-first-and-defend approach. John Harbaugh has done a great job with his squad and is searching for his second career Super Bowl championship.
Cleveland Browns Team Preview 2021
At +135, just behind Baltimore, Cleveland’s stock is the highest it has been in decades.
The Browns have steadily improved over the past few seasons and are finally within reach of a Super Bowl run. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was top-10 in quarterback rating, threw the eighth-fewest interceptions, and is an early dark-horse MVP candidate.
The Browns brought in Jadaveon Clowney to partner their captain and All-Pro, Myles Garrett, as an outside rusher. Clowney has been trending down since 2017 and is only under contract for one year, but is one of the league’s best on his day.
Cleveland will be getting Odell Beckham Jr. back from an injury, giving them another explosive weapon on offense. With him and Jarvis Landry complimenting the backfield tandem of Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb, the Browns have unprecedented talent.
Pittsburgh Steelers Team Preview 2021
At +325, Pittsburgh is the third-favorite for the upcoming AFC North title. The Steelers lost four of their last five in 2020 after starting the season 11-0. They finished with a league-low in rushing yards, ultimately addressing the issue by drafting Najee Harris in the first round.
Ben Roethlisberger does not have the arm strength that he used to but is still accurate, though injuries have accumulated. He, in all likelihood, only has one or two more high-level seasons left, and this could be one of them.
The defense allowed the third-fewest rushing yards and 11th-fewest passing yards and maintained its core through the offseason. Minkah Fitzpatrick and T.J. Watt are not only Defensive Player of the Year candidates but the best in their positions.
Cincinnati Bengals Team Preview 2021
The Bengals are huge underdogs at +1800, the second-worst odds of any team in the NFL.
Cincinnati got their young QB a playmaker in the draft, taking Ja’Marr Chase fifth-overall and reuniting him with his LSU teammate. Questions over the offensive line and long-term safety of Burrow remain, although they are giving him weapons.
Burrow himself had a great rookie season before tearing his ACL, reaching 2,688 yards and 13 touchdowns in 10 games. Burrow will single-handedly determine the direction of the franchise and will need to perform if the team wants to win.
Cincinnati’s defense was not good and lost its best cornerback, William Jackson III, and should struggle again. They do not have a leader and are susceptible to big plays, running, and passing.
2021 AFC North Predictions
This division one is congested and tough to predict, though, at +325, Pittsburgh is the safe bet. It may be boring, but the Steelers have the best pedigree and history of success. After all, coach Mike Tomlin has never gone under .500 in 14 years.
Cleveland played well and has the fire in its belly and would be the second-best pick despite its lesser value.
The Ravens should play teams tough, but with the improvements the others made, they will be the outside looking in.
Utilize the expertise of expert NFL handicappers to help you cash in big this season.
