The start of the 2021 NFL season is still a long way away, but that doesn’t mean you can’t place bets on AFC North win totals. DraftKings Sportsbook recently updated their props, so let’s take a look at what the betting site believes will happen in the AFC North, and how much money there is to be made.
AFC North 2021 Projected Win Totals
Cincinnati Bengals – Win Total: 6
The Cincinnati Bengals finished in the basement of the AFC North last year, and DraftKings believes a repeat performance is coming. Joe Burrow had his moments as a rookie, but he’s coming off a serious knee injury, and we’ve seen previous quarterbacks struggle in their first year back from similar ailments. Cincinnati entered the offseason with needs all over the roster, but didn’t do that much to address the issue. Ja’Marr Chase will help the passing game, but will it be enough to earn Cincinnati an additional two wins? I would personally be surprised, especially since Zac Taylor is clearly not the answer for the Bengals.
Bet: Under
Pittsburgh Steelers – Win Total: 9
The AFC North should be one of the best in football, which is why a team with nine projected wins is currently third in their own division. Ben Roethlisberger looked completely washed last year, and his supporting cast is a lot worse. Sure, they still have Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Juju Smith-Schuster, but this already-bad offensive line should be even worse in 2021. The Steelers still have an elite defense, but it’s going to be hard to win games with liabilities at quarterback and offensive line. Mike Tomlin has never had a losing record since taking over in Pittsburgh, but there is a first time for everything.
Bet: Under
[pickup_prop id=”7187″]
Cleveland Browns – Win Total: 10
Top to bottom, the Cleveland Browns might just have the best roster in the NFL. After decades of organizational malpractice, the Browns finally have the quarterback and head coach of the future, along with a roster with no real weaknesses. The Browns absolutely nailed free agency and the NFL Draft and should be among the Super Bowl frontrunners if Baker Mayfield continues to play like he did in the back half of 2021. This roster has steadily improved ever since Mayfield arrived, and this time, there’s no Freddie Kitchens to ruin it.
Bet: Over
Baltimore Ravens – Win Total: 11
Speaking of teams with great rosters and long-term answers at quarterback and head coach, the Baltimore Ravens have yet to miss the playoffs since Lamar Jackson took over under center. Jackson’s legs are always going to be an issue for opposing defenses, but now he has the weapons to beat teams through the air. Nobody thinks Lamar Jackson is the next Dan Marino, but he can be a competent passer and an unstoppable dual-threat with more reliable targets on the perimeter. With a defense returning most of its key players, Baltimore should once again be one of the NFL’s elite units. Look for Baltimore to win one of the most competitive divisions in the league and follow it up with a deep postseason run.
Bet: Over
[pickup_prop id=”7157″]
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