The AFC North remains one of the most competitive and physical divisions in football, with two teams standing a slight tier above the others in terms of all-around talent.
The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to repeat their Super Bowl run, but the Baltimore Ravens () are the early favorites in their division with Lamar Jackson (ankle) healthy and motivated. The Cleveland Browns will be a run-heavy team while awaiting Deshaun Watson’s return while the Pittsburgh Steelers are reverting back to their defensive ways.
Below, we’ll look at the AFC North for the 2022 season, including odds, past winners, and more.
2022 AFC North odds
2022 AFC North outlook and predictions
The Bengals () seemed to come out with a Super Bowl hangover in their home opener and the Steelers jumped all over their rivals with T.J. Watt leading a spirited defensive effort. However, Watt (pec) suffered a serious injury and Najee Harris (foot) was also injured in the game. So, despite the win, the Steelers () have the longest odds to win the division at +600 (DraftKings Sportsbook).
Baltimore (+120) is leading the AFC North odds table over the Bengals (+250) after Cincy stumbled at home in Week 1. The Ravens trucked the Jets without the services of Marcus Peters, Tyus Bowser, and lead back J.K. Dobbins. The Browns (+350) dominated time of possession through the air with Jacoby Brissett under center.
Past AFC North division winners
| Year | Winner | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Cincinnati Bengals | 10-7 |
| 2020 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 12-4 |
| 2019 | Baltimore Ravens | 14-2 |
| 2018 | Baltimore Ravens | 10-6 |
| 2017 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 13-3 |
| 2016 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 11-5 |
| 2015 | Cincinnati Bengals | 12-4 |
| 2014 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 11-5 |
| 2013 | Cincinnati Bengals | 11-5 |
| 2012 | Baltimore Ravens* | 10-6 |
| 2011 | Baltimore Ravens | 12-4 |
| 2010 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 12-4 |
* Super Bowl champion
How to bet on NFL division winners
When betting NFL futures (or any bet, at that) it’s important to shop lines. Consider the payout of a successful $100 bet on the Browns at Caesars Sportsbook, who offers Cleveland +400. That bet would yield $400 plus the initial $100 back ($500 total). However, laying the same bet at DraftKings Sportsbook (+320) would pay out $420 total ($300 in winnings), an $80 difference.
It may also be helpful to consider implied win probabilities. Use an odds converter to calculate these:
- Ravens (+160): 38.5%
- Bengals (+190): 34.5%
- Browns (+400): 20.0%
- Steelers (+1000): 9.1%
Longer odds (higher numbers) will yield higher payouts, but suggest a lower win probability. Shorter odds (lower numbers) will have a lower payout but imply a higher win probability.
NFL division betting previews
| AFC | NFC |
|---|---|
| AFC East | NFC East |
| AFC North | NFC North |
| AFC South | NFC South |
| AFC West | NFC West |