Since winning the Super Bowl in the 2012 season, the Ravens have been a mixed bag. Coach John Harbaugh barely escaped the firing squad after three consecutive seasons out of the playoffs. However, Harbaugh led a resurgence once quarterback Lamar Jackson entered the fold. Baltimore was the top seed and the NFL odds favorite in 2019. But Tennessee stunned them in the postseason. Last year was a less impressive playoff campaign that ended in elimination to Buffalo. Gamblers remain sold on the Ravers after three consecutive postseason appearances. But defending champion Pittsburgh has found a running back.
2021 NFL – AFC North Division Championship Odds
| Date: | Season Opens Thursday, September 9, 2021 |
|---|
2021 AFC North Odds at SBG:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Baltimore Ravens | +115 |
| Cleveland Browns | +150 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | +400 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | +2500 |
2021 AFC North Futures SBG Odds Overview
Pittsburgh has the largest following of any offshore betting brand in the AFC North. Also, the Steelers are coming off a 12-4 season and a division title. Therefore, it surprises some gamblers that they are the third pick behind the Ravens and Browns. Cleveland finally broke through in 2020 and impressed in the playoffs. But some speculators worry about a market correction. Cincinnati is seen as the one constant of the AFC North. To be exact, the Bengals remain the worst team in the division.
Brown Out for Cleveland?
Of course, Baker Mayfield and the Browns finished 11-5 and impressed fans. But gamblers weren’t impressed at all with their 6-10 mark against the spread. The Browns didn’t have the metrics of a power team. They advantageously won some strange games. As a result, they have not eased the doubts of sharps. Wiseguys worry that Cleveland’s success was a mirage. And that the Browns will slip back in 2021. Certainly, opponents and oddsmakers won’t be looking past Cleveland.
Harris the Back of Steel?
LeVeon Bell’s departure left a huge void in the Steelers’ backfield. However first-round pick Najee Harris arrives from Alabama. Harris resembles Bell to a great degree, and he’ll be a Pittsburgh workhorse from day one. But can Big Ben Roethlisberger last another season as the full-time quarterback? As long as he does, Pittsburgh could be the best bet in the field. Especially with the Steel Curtain defense ranked 3rd best overall and for points allowed in 2020. Harris can enhance those numbers further.
What Now for Ravens After Lamar was Tamed in 2020
Of course, quarterback Lamar Jackson was the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player. But since the playoff debacle that year against Tennessee, he and the Ravens haven’t been the same. Jackson was good enough to get the Ravens into the playoffs. But he no longer carried the team as he did in 2019. Naturally, NFL defenses were going to find a scheme to stop him. But can John Harbaugh and his staff counterattack? Baltimore was last in the NFL for passing, and that must be corrected for a serious playoff run. Everything else is in place.
2021 SBG AFC North Championship Free Picks
On the whole, Najee Harris changes the NFL betting odds dynamics for Pittsburgh. Since Bell’s departure, the Steelers haven’t been the same. Harris will immediately fix that. Pittsburgh could go all the way if Big Ben stays healthy.
2021 AFC North Championship SBG Best Bet: Pittsburgh Steelers.