Posted on
8/22/2007 7:23:07 PM
Football Betting - NFL Regular Season Wins - AFC
By Dave Golokhov
When it comes to NFL betting and regular season win totals, like Lindsay Lohan's song Over or Evanescence's Going Under, there's only two ways to go. In the first of our eight division previews, we examine the NFL odds for regular season wins in the AFC North:
Baltimore Ravens
After winning 13 games and the AFC North last season, the Ravens return a similar roster in 2007.
They have to replace only one starter on a defense that will once again be strong.
The big difference should be Willis McGahee, who provides the Ravens with an explosive option at running back after Jamal Lewis has wilted over the past few seasons.
There is little reason to believe that the Ravens won’t be as good. Their offensive line should be stronger with an infusion of youth. With receivers Mark Clayton, Demetrius Williams and rookie Yamon Figurs, along with McGahee, the Ravens offense now has explosive weapons. They can be much more than conservative and could proceed much further than just the first round of the playoffs.
NFL Odds For Regular Season Wins: 9
NFL Free Pick: Over
Cincinnati Bengals
Last offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals were spending more time explaining arrests than focusing on football.
A season later, the Bengals are hoping to take the next step in the progression that they never took last season.
The Bengals offensive line looks poised for a bounce-back season and likely won’t deal with so many injuries. Expect this offense to once again be lethal.
On defense, though, while the Bengals have a lot of young pieces around the edges, the interior of their defense (on the line and in the linebacking corps) opens up some questions. The defense still is not good enough to take this team far into the playoffs – or even back to the playoffs. They have an easy schedule, though, which all but guarantees them a winning record.
NFL Odds For Regular Season Wins: 9
NFL Free Pick: Over
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have had terrible injury – and drafting – luck since returning to the NFL, but it looks like Brady Quinn might change that. He dropped to 22nd slot, where the Browns traded up to get him.
This team is now Quinn’s to run, even though he was late getting in to camp and Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson will start the season atop the depth chart.
The Browns have a solid offensive line, which is the foundation for any success. They also added Jamal Lewis, who is nothing spectacular, but on the other hand, is the best back they have seen in years.
The Browns are counting on the development of Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow to help the offense flow. The defense has quality safeties and linebackers but not much else.
Quinn will bring some optimism back to C-town, even if they only finish with five wins.
NFL Odds For Regular Season Wins: 6
NFL Free Pick: Under
Pittsburgh Steelers
Was last year a fluke or was it the trend?
I’ll go with the latter.
There is still no proof that Ben Roethlisberger is a franchise quarterback. He has done a great job of managing an offense while having an excellent run game for support.
He’s going to have to make more plays this season than he has in the past if this team is to succeed offensively. They should still be able to run the ball with Willie Parker, but this division is much stronger than it was two or three years ago, when the Steelers reigned supreme.
On defense, the Steelers are still good but have to answer a few questions:
Was their secondaries’ underachievement last season an aberration?
Can they replace the production of Joey Porter?
Nine wins is too much to ask from this team, especially with a new head coach to establish his role.
NFL Odds For Regular Season Wins: 9
NFL Free Pick: Under
Want more previews? Here are the rest of the Regular Season Wins pieces in this Series:
Regular Season Wins - NFC South
Regular Season Wins - AFC North
Regular Season Wins - NFC North
Regular Season Wins - NFC East
Regular Season Wins - AFC East
Regular Season Wins - NFC West
Regular Season Wins - AFC West
Regular Season Wins - AFC South
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