2011 AFC North Lines | NFL Preview

NFL Divisional Previews – 2011 AFC North Betting Breakdown

The 2011-2012 NFL season is looming but unfortunately so is the unfortunate Lockout. The eternal optimist that I am, I have compiled odds and predictions for each division in the knowledge that the owners and the players cannot be as ridiculous as they look.

The AFC North is yet another intriguing Division heading into the 2011-2012 season, assuming that there will be a season.

There are haves and have-nots in the division – it should be a battle between the Top Dogs of the Division, the Steelers and the Ravens.

There are always surprise teams in the NFL but to think that one will emerge from one of the toughest, smash mouth Divisions in the league is unrealistic at best!

Pittsburgh Steelers

Odds To Win AFC North even
Odds To Win Super Bowl +1000

One thing that we know about the AFC North is the fact that the Pittsburgh Steelers will be a player after 16 games. They have simply been one of the most successful teams in the NFL in the last five seasons. Pittsburgh will still have the most dominant intimidating defenses in the league, they will still have Ben Roethlisberger willing the team to victory and they still have one of the best and most respected young coaches in the game.

It’s no surprise that the Steelers spent their draft picks on linemen – the trenches are their signature – the thing that defines them from every other team in the NFL. The only thing that can keep the Steelers from winning another AFC North title is the emerging Ravens.

Steelers AFC North Prediction: The Steelers will finish 11-5 this season and finish second in the North

Baltimore Ravens

Odds To Win the AFC North +120
Odds To Win 2012 Super Bowl +1200

Baltimore is a scary team – great defense and an emerging offense that could do some serious damage this season. The team has been knocking on the door for years now and my guess is that this is the year that they finally go through that door. With another year under his belt, Joe Flacco should have his best season. With Ray Lewis desperate as ever for success (he can’t play forever) the defense should rally. The Ravens had a good draft and they have the easiest schedule in the NFL this season.

The stars appear to be aligning for the Ravens and although the Super Bowl may be a longish shot, an AFC North Division Title certainly is not! I love the Ravens to overtake the aging Steelers this season and to start their dynasty at the Top of one of the toughest Divisions in football. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Ravens AFC North Prediction: I like the Ravens to finally get over the hump, finish 14-2 and to win the AFC North

Cleveland Browns

Odds To Win the AFC North +700
Odds To Win 2012 Super Bowl +6000

One of the biggest problems for the Browns going forward is the fact that they have to play the Steelers and the Ravens two times each! They are a rebuilding team with pieces in place but it is clear that they are not in the same class as the gatekeepers in the AFC North!

Browns AFC North Prediction: 7-9 and third place finish is where I see the Browns finishing

Cincinnati Bengals

Odds To Win the AFC North +1200
Odds To Win 2012 Super Bowl +6000

The Bengals will be a vastly different team than the one that took the field last season – potentially absent from the team will be Ochocinco, Terrell Owens and the uber-disgruntled Carson Palmer. Turmoil, strife and uncertainty do not translate well at all to the football field. A brutal draft only contributes to what is going to be a very tough year for Marvin Lewis and his crew. A new culture is needed in Cincinnati as the 2011-2012 Bengals will prove. I feel for all you Bengals fans, I really do!

Bengals AFC North Prediction: Yikes – the Bengals will be lucky to win five or six games in 2011 – 4th place is likely!

As Always Comments Are Welcome Below!!!

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2011 Divisional Previews

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2011 NFC West Futures
2011 NFC South Futures
2011 NFC East Futures
2011 AFC North Futures
2011 AFC West Futures
2011 AFC South Futures
2011 AFC East Futures

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