Bills, Chiefs, Chargers top three odds-on favorites in AFC
The Cincinnati Bengals' unexpected run to the Super Bowl was one of the biggest stories of the 2021 NFL season. Despite the march that fell just short of an NFL championship, the Bengals do not enter the 2022 campaign favored to win the AFC North.
That honor goes to the Baltimore Ravens (+185 at DraftKings), a team that went 8-9 a year ago and missed the playoffs for the first time under the direction of quarterback Lamar Jackson.
FrontPageBets gives its evaluation of what to expect in the division.
Jackson's sub-par play last season heading into a contract year remains a big part of the equation. He missed five games due to an ankle injury and posted a disappointing 50.7 QBR. Still without an extension, his status and motivation are the X-factors in Baltimore. The team helped itself in free agency, acquiring defensive tackle Michael Pierce, offensive lineman Morgan Moses and safety Marcus Williams. In the draft, talented Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton and Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum joined the party, and look like the real thing.
All eyes remain on the dual-threat Jackson and his ability to bounce back and cash in. Â
Smokin' Joe Burrow and the Bengals are a slight dog to the Ravens at (+190). They were active in the offseason, picking up offensive linemen La'el Collins, Ted Karras and Alex Cappa. Cincinnati also snared Michigan defensive back Daxton Hill in the draft. With a strong returning cast led by the uber-talented Burrow, you have to expect the Bengals will battle for the division title and maybe more.
The Cleveland Browns are at +210. Their trade with the Houston Texans for quarterback DeShaun Watson, in the wake of multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against Watson, and their expected divorce with Baker Mayfield have rightly dominated headlines. Wide receiver Amari Cooper joins the fold from the Dallas Cowboys. Touted Alabama-Birmingham pass rusher Alex Wright and Purdue receiver David Bell came aboard on the draft.Â
Mitch Trubisky could wind up being the starter under center, which doesn't instill a ton of confidence in the Pittsburgh Steelers (+900). Top draft pick Kenny Pickett out of the University of Pittsburgh may have to grow up fast. The Steel City squad bucked up, making Minkah Fitzpatrick the highest-paid safety. George Pickens replaces JuJu Smith-Schuster at wideout.
FrontPageBets sizes up each NFL division with training camp on the horizon.
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Gerry Ahern is senior content editor for FrontPageBets. A 35-year veteran sports editor and digital media executive, he has led coverage of the biggest events in sports, from Super Bowls, to Final Fours, to Olympics, to the Masters.
