The AFC North

Here’s a division that’s really two smaller ones. A couple teams (Ravens, Steelers) are going to compete, make plans for the playoffs, dream of the Super Bowl. The other two teams (Bengals, Browns) are going to make some headlines, create all sorts of camp position controversies (outside of a healthy Carson Palmer) and basically jostle for worst record in the AFC throughout the year.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be doing some online football betting on these teams. In fact, I think the Bengals might even be a little bit better than everyone thinks. If they can just get past half their team being in legal trouble, there’s still the foundation of a potent offense here. So plan on them at least keeping the favorites from covering the spread in the ¾ of the games that they’ll be the underdog this year.

The Browns are a mess, and I’d bet against them every chance I get this year. In fact, the only real winnable games I see are the two against the Bengals, one halfway through the season in Detroit and then Game 15 against the Raiders at home. By then, you might not even recognize the players on the field.

Pittsburgh will be a rock, as usual. Parker is so underrated, as is Hines and the role players on both sides of the ball. Don’t expect any of these off-season distractions to affect Big Ben. In fact, look for him to air it out more than he has in years past, and watch it pay off with increased yardage and TD numbers. The Steelers will face some hefty spreads, as any elite team should, but they’ll be up for the challenge. Look for possible gambling pitfalls early, in Week 2 at Chicago, and Week 4 at home against San Diego. Those two look like recipes for disaster. Watch the injury reports and how those teams are starting off their own years before placing a bet.

Finally, the Ravens. Their defense is such a well-oiled machine, and they’re so stacked with veterans, expect them to quietly but steadily built that record right up to match last year’s 11-5, or better. They will hold teams below 15 most games, and they play close games, so even if the NFL Odds have a spread on a dog is 14 points, I wouldn’t be so quick to jump on it, especially if Baltimore is on the road.