With the 2023 season approaching, Winners and Whiners will provide predictions for each division. Today, we will start by looking at the AFC North predictions, with the odds provided by Bet Rivers.
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4th: Cleveland Browns UNDER 9.5 (-130)
Predicted Record: 8-9
After finishing 8-9 in 2021 and 7-10 last season, the pressure is on head coach Kevin Stefanski, as the Browns have consistently found ways to lose winnable games despite having a talented roster. The organization hopes quarterback DeShaun Watson will be ready to lead them into contention this season. But we must remember that Watson has only played six games in the last two seasons and has only won seven of his last 22 starts on the field. History is also not on Cleveland’s side, as the franchise has only won more than 10 games once in the last 15 seasons. Winning more than three games in the AFC North is unlikely, and the schedule outside the division is challenging, including home games against the 49ers, Jaguars, Bears, and Jets and road trips to Seattle and Denver. I see Cleveland getting at most nine wins.
3rd: Pittsburgh Steelers OVER 8.5 (-150)
Predicted Record 10-7
Mike Tomlin has been the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2007 and has never had a losing season, and smart money is on him getting the Steelers to at least 9-8.
Last season, the Steelers lost seven of their first 10 games but never gave up and ended up winning six of their final seven games. This year, the Steelers should take a step forward, led by quarterback Kenny Pickett, who gained valuable experience last season. Pittsburg also has a favorable schedule, with four games against the AFC South and games they should win against the Raiders, Rams, and Cardinals. The Steelers will finish no worse than 9-8.
2nd: Cincinnati Bengals UNDER 11.5 (-162)
Predicted Record 11-6
The Bengals will have their hands full against their division rivals, and the margin for error is minimal if they are going to reach 12 wins. With road trips to San Francisco, Jacksonville, and Kansas City on the schedule, along with challenging home showdowns against the Seahawks, Bills, and Vikings. I expect Cincinnati to lose at least six games.
Remember that the Bengals only went 10-7 during the regular season in 2021 before they went on to reach the Super Bowl, and they started last season with a 4-4 record before ending the season on an eight-game winning streak.
1st: Baltimore Ravens OVER 9.5 Wins (-175)
Predicted Record 11-6
Last season, Baltimore finished the regular season with a 10-7 record last season despite Lamar Jackson missing the final five games. The Ravens’ 8-4 start had the potential to be much better with each defeat, as each loss with Jackson on the field came by four points or less and were against the Dolphins, Bills, Giants, and Jaguars. The Ravens should benefit from some home cooking early, as they do not have to play an actual road game against any of their first five non-divisional opponents. The Ravens have a more favorable schedule than the Bengals, and I see John Harbaugh leading his team to a hot start and winning at least 11 games. I also like the Ravens at +220 to win the AFC North.
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