2015 NFL Odds: Who Takes the AFC North? |

2015 NFL Odds: Who Takes the AFC North?

When going through the 2015 NFL odds by division, few divisions are as tight as the AFC North. One reason why could be because three of the four teams actually made it to the playoffs in 2014 and all three have the potential to win the division. The big question for 2015, of course, is which team will win it? Better yet, which team’s odds make them the target?

If you’re going for straight up “pay me some cash”, you might want to lay a (small) bet on the Cleveland Browns. At +900, it’s clear they are not a favorite to win the AFC North this year, and in all likelihood, aren’t really even a contender. Let’s break down the Browns and the rest of the division and see who just might be worth betting on in 2015:

Cleveland Browns (+900)

The Browns could be a sneaky pick, largely because of what we saw out of them in 2014 and the fact that they have a very strong defense to fall back on. They even drafted stud defensive tackle Danny Shelton this year, and if second-year cornerback Justin Gilbert ends up not being a bust, the overall defense could be absolutely nasty.

Then there’s the offense. Johnny Manziel still has potential but to this point looks like a total bust and Cleveland worked ever so hard to upgrade over him with…Josh McCown. They also lost star wide receiver Josh Gordon to yet another suspension and did very little to replace him. Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline will attempt to fill in, while Rob Housler is the answer for Jordan Cameron departing. The only thing that works in Cleveland’s offense is a solid o-line and a stable of quality running backs. Rookie Duke Johnson just might be special. Unfortunately, it’s all an ugly mess and unless you’re a McCown fan or believe Manziel can turn it around, betting on the Browns is literally like putting money in your toilet and flushing repeatedly.

Cincinnati Bengals (+220)

Next up is the Bengals, who have the second best (or worst) odds to win the AFC North, yet they actually won the division in 2013 and were pretty darn close to doing so again so in 2014. They didn’t, of course, but with the way division winners change hands like old t-shirts in today’s NFL, it’s pretty likely we get a new AFC North champ in 2015. That could make the Bengals the best true bet if you like their resume.

Andy Dalton is just OK and that seems to be good enough for Marvin Lewis, who has taken the control out of The Red Rifle’s hands and is leaning more on a very sound defense, as well as a strong running game led by Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard. With the running game carrying the offense, it’s really going to come down to that defense. Provided Geno Atkins is a force again and Vontaze Burfict can return to health, the Bengals just might be nasty. Dalton probably won’t get them a playoff win this season, but he could easily lead Cincy to another division title.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+190) and Baltimore Ravens (+190)

It’s a tie. Classic, largely because when these two teams face off, it’s a defensive battle that no one wants to call. That’s how it used to be, at least. These days, the Steelers have less bite defensively, and with Marc Trestman running the offense, Baltimore is going to throw more than ever. In other words, these are two very good offense, but they’re kind of going away from what they were always amazing at – pounding the rock. They both still have talent in the backfield, though, and the Ravens even have a strong defense to lean on.

If we’re being realistic, the Bengals should be included here at +190 because it’s a total toss up. However, with the odds as they are, the Bengals give you the best shot at getting a return AND being a favorable bet. I personally think Baltimore is trending upward in a big way, though, so if you just want the team that I think will win the AFC North this year, it’s the Ravens. They have the quarterback, the coaching, the running game and the defense that you need to win a division title and make a deep run. The Bengals don’t have the quarterback, the Steelers don’t have the defense and the Browns are just the Browns.