“The AFC North remains a division built on physicality, rivalry, and volatility.”
The AFC North looks stacked with intrigue again in 2025. The Cleveland Browns are trying to rebuild with a carousel of quarterbacks. The Cincinnati Bengals bring explosive offense but shaky defense. The Baltimore Ravens remain dominant in the regular season, yet unproven in January. The Pittsburgh Steelers reload while Mike Tomlin keeps his streak of winning seasons alive. This AFC North Betting breakdown focuses on roster changes, injuries, fantasy implications, and the top futures and props. Each team presents a unique angle for bettors looking to profit from win totals, player markets, and season-long wagers.
(This is an AI-generated article from a recently published IDP+ Podcast transcript.)
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Cleveland Browns Betting Outlook
Cleveland’s 3–14 season led to a full reset. Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, rookie Dylan Gabriel, and rookie Shedeur Sanders will all battle for starts. Flacco is expected to open the season, while Sanders is projected to finish. All four quarterbacks will likely play at some point.
Quinshon Judkins leads the backfield in upside but is dealing with legal issues. Dylan Sampson is a potential late flyer, while Jerome Ford is available cheaply but uninspiring after a lackluster 2024 despite heavy opportunity. Jerry Jeudy is the only consistent wide receiver option, while Diontae Johnson is seen as volatile. David Njoku is expected to be a key red-zone target, which helps his fantasy appeal.
Cleveland’s win total is five and a half, with the over available at +125. Their offensive line, defense, and a last-place schedule could help them reach six wins despite a messy quarterback rotation.
Fantasy Takeaways:
Judkins is a mid-round stash with upside but risk. Sampson is a deep flyer. Ford is a late pick. Jeudy is the only receiver with steady value. Njoku holds red-zone appeal as a touchdown option.
Best Bets:
- Over 5.5 wins (+125)
- Jerry Jeudy over 1,000 yards (+125)
- David Njoku 5+ touchdowns (-120)
Cincinnati Bengals Betting Outlook
Cincinnati finished 9–8 last season despite one of the league’s best passing attacks. Joe Burrow, Jamar Chase, and Tee Higgins remain elite, but the defense and offensive line remain question marks. Sam Hubbard retired, two linebackers departed, and multiple safeties are gone. Trey Hendrickson, the NFL’s sack leader, still seeks an extension.
DJ Hill should be ready after a spring foot issue, while Dax Hill’s ACL recovery may slow his early-season performance. The defense must improve under Al Golden after embarrassing results last year, including surrendering 40 points to Pittsburgh.
The Bengals’ win total is nine and a half. The offense, however, presents several strong prop angles. Chase Brown topped 990 yards last year despite a limited role and should surpass his rushing line. Tee Higgins is a prime yards and touchdown target, while Trey Hendrickson remains undervalued to lead the league in sacks again.
Fantasy Takeaways:
Chase is a clear WR1. Higgins is a WR2 who produces like a WR1 at times. Burrow is a top fantasy quarterback. Chase Brown is a value at his rushing projection. Mike Gesicki is the safest late-round tight end in their tertiary target group.
Best Bets:
- Chase Brown over 875.5 rushing yards (-110)
- Tee Higgins over 1,000 yards (+115)
- Tee Higgins over 7.5 touchdowns (-110)
- Trey Hendrickson to lead the NFL in sacks (10–1)
- Split series with Steelers 1–1 (+130)
Baltimore Ravens Betting Outlook
Baltimore dominated the regular season at 12–5 but faltered in the playoffs again. Lamar Jackson threw for 4,000 yards with 41 touchdowns and four interceptions. Derrick Henry rushed for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns across 17 games. The Ravens added DeAndre Hopkins as a veteran target, Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie for the secondary, and rookie Malachi Starks to help replace safety Ar’Darius Washington, who tore his Achilles in May.
Jaire Alexander had an arthroscopic knee procedure but is expected to be healthy for the season. His availability has been an issue, but the surgery itself is minor. Baltimore’s offensive line must perform as it did late last year, as Lamar absorbed more pressure early in 2024 than usual.
The Ravens’ win total is 11.5, but juice makes totals less attractive. Bettors can target team and player props, including a rushing touchdown in every game (10–1), Mark Andrews’ touchdown prop at five for +125, and Derrick Henry’s rushing yard over, which is set well below his 2024 production.
Fantasy Takeaways:
Lamar is a top-tier quarterback for his dual-threat ability. Henry remains a workhorse RB after another monster season. Andrews is Lamar’s primary red-zone target. Isaiah Likely showed flashes, but Andrews is the safer fantasy tight end.
Best Bets:
- Ravens to score a rushing touchdown in all 17 games (10–1)
- Mark Andrews 5+ touchdowns (+125)
- Derrick Henry over 1,375.5 rushing yards (-110)
- Ravens and Steelers to split season series 1–1 (+200)
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Outlook
Pittsburgh posted another winning season at 10–7, only to get blown out by Baltimore in the Wild Card round. Aaron Rodgers now leads the offense at 41 years old. DK Metcalf replaces George Pickens as WR1, while Jonnu Smith reunites with Arthur Smith after catching eight touchdowns for Miami last year. Rookies Derek Harmon and Jack Sawyer bolster the defensive front, which struggled late in 2024, while Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay strengthen the secondary.
Offensively, the Steelers lack a proven WR2, meaning Arthur Smith will likely lean on heavy tight end sets with Smith, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington all seeing the field. Rookie Kaleb Johnson is expected to eventually emerge as the primary back, with Jalen Warren starting the year in that role before moving to a complementary spot.
The Steelers’ win total is eight and a half, and plus money on the over is appealing given Tomlin’s history. Pittsburgh at +140 to make the playoffs is another favorable wager, while +500 for the division is worth a sprinkle. Over 2.5 division wins is also a realistic angle given their track record versus Cleveland and competitiveness with Cincinnati and Baltimore.
Fantasy Takeaways:
Jonnu Smith is a viable tight end after eight touchdowns last year. Pat Freiermuth remains steady but shares snaps. Kaleb Johnson could overtake Jalen Warren as RB1 as the season progresses. DK Metcalf is the unquestioned WR1.
Best Bets:
- Over 8.5 wins (+105)
- Steelers to make the playoffs (+140)
- Steelers to win AFC North (+500)
- Over 2.5 division wins (-110)
- Jonnu Smith 8+ touchdowns (+350)
Final Thoughts on AFC North Betting
The AFC North Betting board offers plenty of ways to profit. Cleveland is a long shot but presents value on their win total and Jeudy and Njoku props. Cincinnati’s offense drives several prop bets, while Hendrickson remains undervalued in sack markets. Baltimore remains a regular-season juggernaut and offers rushing and Andrew’s touchdown angles for profit. Pittsburgh is a pretty reliable over thanks to Tomlin’s history and offers multiple prop opportunities, including Jonnu Smith and division wins.
The AFC North remains a division built on physicality, rivalry, and volatility. Profitable betting means leaning into props and historical trends, not just season-long totals, to exploit every edge in this competitive division.
Thank you for reading this article by @IDP_Plus. This article was created using IDP+ AI and edited by Derek Bennett. Be sure to check out the video above by The Degen Doc and Professor Locks, which this video is based on, talking about the AFC North. Follow @TheDegenDoc and @Prof_Lock2 on X!
