Sports Betting
AFC North Betting Preview: Why the Bengals Aren't the Favorites to Repeat as Division Champs
Writing professionally since 2015, Jack Dougherty spent six years as a sportswriter with publications such as GoPSUSports.com, the Centre Daily Times, and the Associated Press before joining Sports7 in 2020. He covers the NBA, the NFL, and the world of golf extensively and has added expertise on any team located in or around his hometown of Philadelphia. Yes, that includes the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia 76ers, and Philadelphia Phillies. When Jack isn't writing about sports, he's watching them or playing them as he regularly heads to the gym for some pickup basketball or the golf course to hit the links. He's also an avid participant in the sports betting scene who worked at a casino sportsbook for a year and learned the ins and outs of the industry before bringing his expertise to Sports7 with one excellent gambling recommendation after another.
Get to know Jack Dougherty betterUpdated09 Dec 2022
The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off an AFC North title and a Super Bowl appearance in 2022. They bring back their core of Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, and Ja'Marr Chase and upgraded their offensive line by bringing in La'el Collins, Alex Cappa, Ted Karras.
On paper, Cincy looks poised to take another step forward and blow away the AFC North this coming season, but that's not how Las Vegas oddsmakers see it. Let's check out the betting preview for the AFC North and dive into why the Bengals aren't betting favorites to repeat as division champs.
AFC North betting odds
The Bengals have all the pieces in place to become a dynasty for years to come, but they surprisingly aren't the betting favorites to win the AFC North in 2022-23. Instead, the Baltimore Ravens have been pegged as the favorites to win the division at +170 odds.
The Bengals are right behind at +185, with the Cleveland Browns (+260) and Pittsburgh Steelers (+950) further up on the odds board. Check out the complete betting breakdown of the AFC North below:
AFC North win totals
Baltimore Ravens: 10.5
Cincinnati Bengals: 9.5
Cleveland Browns: N/A
Pittsburgh Steelers: 7.5
Odds to win AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: +170
Cincinnati Bengals: +185
Cleveland Browns: +260
Pittsburgh Steelers: +950
Odds to win AFC
Baltimore Ravens: +1000
Cincinnati Bengals: +1200
Cleveland Browns: +1400
Pittsburgh Steelers: +3700
Odds to win Super Bowl
Baltimore Ravens: +2100
Cincinnati Bengals: +2100
Cleveland Browns: +2800
Pittsburgh Steelers: +7000
AFC North best bet: Back the Ravens to dethrone the Bengals in 2023
Ravens to win AFC North: +170
I was never a believer in the Bengals last season. They overachieved every step of the way and had luck on their side the entire year.
The Ravens, on the other hand, had none. Baltimore lost Marcus Peters, Ronnie Stanley, J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Marlon Humphrey, L.J. Fort, Derek Wolfe, and DeShon Elliott to season-ending injuries last season, and it still finished close to .500 at 8-9.
With the Ravens back to full strength in 2022, they're the best team in the AFC North. I trust John Harbaugh to right the ship more than I do Zac Taylor to improve upon a dream 2021 season. Don't be afraid to put a small wager on the Ravens to win the AFC at 10/1 odds, too.
All betting odds courtesy of FanDuel as of 7/24.
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