Football is finally back, and that means it’s time to make our picks and predictions for the 2023-24 NFL season. We’re going to run through the AFC East, AFC South, AFC West division champions, and NFC championship odds and break down the favorites, the underdogs, and some teams that could surprise fans this season.

Kansas City has dominated the AFC since the Patrick Mahomes era got underway. The superstar quarterback has made it to every single AFC Championship game since he took over as the Chiefs’ starter. Teams such as the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals are hot on Kansas City’s heels and pose some of the biggest threats to the Chiefs’ title defense this coming season.

Let’s dive into the AFC North and make some predictions -- choosing a favorite for the division. We will look at NFL betting odds and the hottest NFL betting trends across the conference. Let’s begin with the AFC North. 

AFC North Division odds 2023-24 

Cincinnati Bengals +130
Baltimore Ravens +220
Cleveland Browns +350
Pittsburgh Steelers +550

AFC North Odds to Finish Second

Baltimore Ravens +250
Cincinnati Bengals +185
Cleveland Browns +275
Pittsburgh Steelers +333

AFC North Odds to Finish Third

Cleveland Browns +200
Baltimore Ravens +250
Cincinnati Bengals +400
Pittsburgh Steelers +225

AFC North Odds to Finish Fourth

Pittsburgh Steelers +140
Cleveland Browns +240
Cincinnati Bengals +700
Baltimore Ravens +250 

Favorites to win the AFC North Division

The Cincinnati Bengals are the current favorites in the AFC North. The Bengals’ odds to win the division currently stand at +130, but they’ll face particularly stiff competition from Baltimore. The Ravens are now firmly focused on their organization’s future after locking in Lamar Jackson with a long-term deal and bringing in weapons such as Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie wideout Zay Flowers.

Quarterback Joe Burrow might miss a little time early in the season, but the Bengals will be hoping to display a level of dominance similar to last season. They were slow out of the gate in 2022 but blew the league apart down the stretch. If they’re able to find their form right from the outset this year, they will be very tough to beat.

Each of the other AFC North teams can make the case that they will have a strong year.

The Steelers really believe in Kenny Pickett and have done some work to shore up the offensive line and improve both the protection and the running game with the addition of rookie tackle Broderick Jones and free agent guard Isaac Seumalo. Meanwhile, the Browns will be hoping that quarterback Deshaun Watson is completely settled in and ready for this season, and any offense with running back Nick Chubb is going to have a chance. 

Let’s take a look at the odds to win the AFC North and offer a couple of picks. 

2023-24 AFC North Predictions and Best Bets

The Bengals are the AFC North favorites, but it seems that some bettors are hesitating right now, given the uncertainty around quarterback Joe Burrow’s health. His teammate and close friend, receiver Ja’Marr Chase, came right out and said he doesn’t want Burrow playing until he is 100 percent ready, because a premature return could hurt the team in the long term. If that’s the case, then the Bengals might have to battle through the season’s first few weeks with Trevor Siemian running the show.

Despite minor concerns, the Bengals are going to be tough to beat, thanks to their talent level, offensive strength, and reloaded defense. The Bengals have new safeties, and second-year pro Dax Hill has his work cut out from him as he takes on a key role there, but I expect them to fight off the Ravens and win the AFC North this year.

Cincinnati has won this division in each of the past two seasons, and with their AFC North odds at +130, I like the pick this year, too.

The Pick: Cincinnati Bengals to win the AFC North (+130) 

My second AFC North prediction involves an outsider ending Cincinnati’s reign. While the Bengals are the favorite, fans might have forgotten just how good the Baltimore Ravens can be when they’re healthy. Baltimore has been plagued by injuries, and the Ravens went into the playoffs last year with an injured Lamar Jackson on the sidelines. 

If Jackson can stay healthy, this could be a big year for Baltimore. The Ravens have one of football’s best tight ends in Mark Andrews as well as fellow tight end Isaiah Likely and receivers Odell Beckham Jr., Rashod Bateman (who also missed most of last year), Zay Flowers, and Devin Duvernay. They will also be bolstered by the return of running back J.K. Dobbins.

Add all that offensive talent and depth to a strong defense that features some of the most aggressive blitzing in the league, and you have yourself a challenger in the division. Baltimore is listed as the No. 2 favorite among AFC North teams, but at +220 the Ravens provide a nice bet to boost a parlay or even to play as a single.

The Pick: Baltimore Ravens to win the AFC North (+220)

Odds are subject to change*

Bet on NFL odds at Betway

Find season long NFL odds on the Betway sportsbook. You'll find all the latest spreads, parlays, totals, NFL prop bets, money lines and NFL futures. Or call it how you see it with our live NFL betting in-play. All your NFL betting needs are covered at our online sportsbook.

Visit Betway’s NFL picks page for picks and predictions throughout the regular season.