2011 AFC North Vegas Odds, Predictions and Free Picks – NFL AFC North Division Preview and Forecast: Vegas oddsmakers have posted the 2011 NFL futures odds to win the 2011 AFC North Division and the odds and lines for the AFC North plus our AFC North predictions, free picks and preview are posted below courtesy of NFL blogger Brian Polking from NSAwins.com. Enjoy…
Aside from a few good years from the Cincinnati Bengals, the AFC North has been dominated by two teams – the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. The rivalry has developed into one of the most heated and nastiest in the game today. Both teams have reached and won Super Bowls fairly recently, and the Steelers won the AFC last year. Considering the history of success, it should come as no surprise that the two franchises are again the favorites. Let’s take a look at how the division stacks up.
2011 NFL AFC North Divisions Odds, Expert Picks, Predictions and Preview:
- Pittsburgh Steelers
Top to bottom, the Steelers are the most complete team in the division. The physical defense is led by James Harrison and Lamar Woodley up front and Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor in the secondary. On offense, Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Wallace are a big play waiting to happen, and Rashard Mendenhall wears down opponents on the ground. In short, there just aren’t any major weaknesses with this Pittsburgh team. The Steelers made it all the way to the Super Bowl last season, and with the core group still intact, a return trip and an AFC North title are both within reach.
- Baltimore Ravens
With Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs lead a Baltimore defense that is always out to hurt somebody and always capable of shutting down opponents. The question for this team is whether or not the offense can take the next step. Joe Flacco has been better than most people give him credit for, but he still needs to improve. Ray Rice is a great all-around back, but he needs to be better between the tackles. Anquan Boldin needs to recapture the physicality he had in his early days in Arizona. If all that happens, the Ravens could overtake the Steelers, but the more likely scenario is that Baltimore ends up competing for a wildcard spot instead of a division crown.
- Cleveland Browns
The Browns appear ready to go all in with Colt McCoy as their starting quarterback, but they still need to give him some weapons to throw to. After all, Cleveland ranked at or near the bottom in every offensive category last season. The good news is that the offensive line is solid, and Montario Hardesty is back from injury to help out the workhorse Peyton Hillis in the backfield. However, the defense is average at best, and the passing game still has a long way to go. Defenses stacked the line to shut down the Browns’ running game in the second half, and it brought the offense to a halt. It will be more of the same this season as Cleveland ends up a non-factor in the division race yet again.
- Cincinnati Bengals
It could be a long year for the Cincinnati Bengals. Carson Palmer retired/quit on the team, Chad Johnson was traded to the Patriots, and cornerback Jonathan Joseph left in free agency. Rookie Andy Dalton is going to be thrown to the wolves at quarterback with his main target being fellow rookie A.J. Green. Cedric Benson returns in the backfield, but for the most part, the Bengals are short on talent and experience. The trial by fire approach may pay off for the young players down the road, but in the meantime, it could be ugly.
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2011 Vegas Odds to Win the AFC North – 2011 NFL AFC North Division Odds
Pittsburgh Steelers +105
Baltimore Ravens +115
Cleveland Browns +625
Cincinnati Bengals +625