Posted on
5/23/2007 7:24:04 PM
NFL Betting - AFC North Divisional Winner
By Eric Williams
The Baltimore Ravens were the surprise runaway winner of the AFC North last season, but as oddsmakers have clearly recognized, this is a three-team race for division supremacy that could come down to the last week of the season.
Here are the odds on each team, followed by my free NFL pick.
To Win Outright the AFC North Division
Baltimore Ravens +175
The Ravens didn’t do much in free agency or in the draft, although guard Ben Grubbs should be an opening day starter on the offensive line and Willis McGahee will do better than Jamal Lewis the past couple years.
As easily as the Ravens won the AFC North last season, that’s how easy it will be for them to lose it in 2007.
Cincinnati Bengals +175
Marvin Lewis has done an absolutely outstanding job of turning this franchise around and making them one of the best young teams in all of football. So why do I get the uneasy feeling that this team may never be the same? Because it is populated with too many lawbreaking punks.
The Bengals, like the Ravens, didn’t wow anyone with their draft or in free agency, although cornerback Leon Hall should be an immediate improvement to their weak defensive secondary.
Pittsburgh Steelers +175
The Steelers may be only two years removed from their Super Bowl title, but it seems more like five, as things have changed immensely in Steel Town.
Gone is the steel-jawed Bill Cowher and in his place is rookie head coach Mike Timlin, who will be learning on the job in his first season as a head coach.
Rookies Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley should contribute immediately to the Steelers slightly altered defensive unit.
Cleveland Browns +1000
I had high hopes for Romeo Crennel when he took the Browns job three years ago, but now I’d just like to see this team get to .500. The Browns got three supremely gifted players who could start for a decade in Joe Thomas, Brady Quinn and Eric Wright, but for now these young players will be taking their lumps while they learn on the job.
The +1000 money line may look nice, but the Browns don’t stand a realistic chance of winning this division.
Overall: I love the +175 money line for the three ‘favorites’ in this divisional race, but I’m going to have to go with the Ravens if for no other reason than experience.
The Steelers will lose a couple of games because they have a rookie head coach. The Bengals still seem to be lost in the wilderness and the Browns are mired in mediocrity.
The Ravens have arguably the game’s best defense and a veteran quarterback who can still get the job done when he has to.
Besides, at +170, what’s not to like?
NFL Free Picks: Take the Ravens to win the AFC North.
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