AFC North Division: 2022/23 NFL Betting Preview and Predictions
The Cincinnati Bengals enjoyed an epic renaissance last season, going from worst to first in the AFC North before continuing their march to a Super Bowl berth for the first time in three decades.
The Ravens currently sit as +140 favourites on the NFL divisional odds.
Baltimore Ravens 2022-2023 Betting Predictions
Regular Season Win Total: OVER 9.5 (-175)
Odds to Win AFC North Title: +140
The Ravens took a big step back in 2021, tumbling to the bottom of the AFC North standings for the first time since 2007 with a disappointing 8-9-0 record. Injuries to key personnel, most notably quarterback Lamar Jackson, derailed a fast start, sending the team into a season-ending six-game losing streak. The team has largely avoided the injury bug during an impressive preseason during which they tallied a trio of wins while limiting opponents to just 14 points per game. Jackson remains the straw that stirs the Ravens drink. The former NFL MVP powered the squad’s steady 6-2 start last season by tossing for 13 touchdowns to go along with a pair of scoring runs. The Baltimore ground game will receive a further boost from the eventual return of rusher JK Dobbins, who missed all of last season after suffering a knee injury in preseason. Ranked dead last in the NFL last season, the Ravens pass defence should also get a boost from cornerback Marcus Peters’ return from injury.
Cincinnati Bengals 2022-2023 Betting Predictions
Regular Season Win Total: UNDER 9.5 (-140)
Odds to Win AFC North Title: +160
The Bengals’ meteoric rise from divisional doormat to conference champions last season coincided with the emergence of Joe Burrow as an elite NFL quarterback. Burrow developed instant chemistry with Ja’Marr Chase, with the rookie receiver pulling in 13 of Burrow’s 34 scoring passes during the regular season. Joe Mixon also returned to form after a disappointing 2020 season, setting career highs with 1205 rushing yards and 13 scoring runs. The offensive line quickly emerged as a glaring weakness in Cincinnati, allowing Burrow to get sacked a shocking 51 times during the regular season, and 19 times over four playoff games. The team addressed that concern during the offseason by signing free agents La’el Collins, Alex Cappa, Ted Karras and Hayden Hurst. The Bengals remain a solid -140 bet to once again tally a double-digit win total. However, if they are to repeat as AFC North champs, they must overcome one of the NFL’s toughest schedules, particularly late in the season.
Cleveland Browns 2022-2023 Betting Predictions
Regular Season Win Total: UNDER 9.5 (-265)
Odds to Win AFC North Title: +360
There is plenty to like about the Cleveland Browns lineup entering the 2022 NFL campaign. That is, apart from their newly minted starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Browns sport an impressive defence. The pass rushing duo of Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney should strike fear into opposing pivots, and once again make the Browns one of the stingiest teams in the league. However, any positives in Cleveland are overshadowed by the team’s dubious decision to bring disgraced quarterback Deshaun Watson into the fold. Idle since the 2020 season due to his ongoing legal woes, Watson opens the season facing a six-game suspension. That leaves the Cleveland offence in the hands of journeyman Jacoby Brissett, who guided Miami to a brutal 1-7-0 start last season. The Browns are fortunate to open the season with a somewhat reasonable schedule, and if they can weather the storm until Watson can return, they could pay out as a high-value +190 bet to win OVER 9.5 games. But be forewarned, backing the Browns this season will not be for the faint of heart.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2022-2023 Betting Predictions
Regular Season Win Total: OVER 7.5 (-130)
Odds to Win AFC North Title: +900
The post-Roethlisberger era is set to begin in Pittsburgh, and believe it or not, the predictions of doom and gloom are unlikely to materialize. Sure, journeyman Mitch Trubisky will not fill the boots of Big Ben in his role as newly minted starter. But while the Steeltown faithful must remain patient until rookie passer Kenny Pickett is ready to take over the offence, there is still plenty to like about this team. Trubisky has no shortage of offensive options to choose from, including receivers Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool, who combined to rack up almost 2000 receiving yards last season. The Steelers spot a fearsome pass defence anchored by last season’s NFL Defensive Player of the Year TJ Watt, which led the league with 55 sacks.
However, a shake rush defence and overall lack of depth are cause for concern, as is a brutal road schedule that features stops in Buffalo, Indianapolis, and Philadelphia. Despite those concerns, sports bettors should not sleep on the Steelers as a -130 bet to win OVER 7.5 games. They also remain worthy of a +345 value wager to outpace Cleveland in the race for third place in division.
AFC North Predicted Order of Finish
Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Browns
