AFC North Odds – Steelers and Ravens in Race for Supremacy

2009 NFL Wagering Preview

While the Pittsburgh Steelers rode a wave of momentum all the way to Super Bowl XLIII where they beat the Arizona Cardinals in one of the most thrilling Super Bowl finishes in recent memory, nothing is certain in the new-age NFL where teams can go from worst-to-first and vice versa at the drop of a dime.

With that thought in mind, let’s take a look at the 2009 AFC North division odds in the BetOnline Sportsbook.

While the Steelers are clearly the favorite to win the AFC North in 2009 after narrowly beating out the Baltimore Ravens last season, let me once again, state the fact that nothing is ever ‘etched in stone’ in the NFL..

Pittsburgh Steelers -225 (12-4 SU, 9-7 ATS, 8-8 O/U)

The Steelers have followed the same blue print for franchise success since Hall of Fame head coach Chuck Knoll led the team to four Super Bowl titles during the 1970s. Now led by Mike Tomlin, the Steelers play with the same run-heavy, defense-oriented, philosophy that has been so successful for the ballclub over the decades. While Pittsburgh didn’t make many free agent transactions and drafted defensive tackle Evander Wood with the 32nd overall draft pick, I fully expect this team to be as competitive as ever should they avoid the costly injury to one of its key players.

Baltimore Ravens +320 (11-5 SU, 12-4 ATS, 9-6-1 O/U)

The Ravens had a spectacular 2008 season despite starting a rookie quarterback all season long in former Delaware Blue Hen Joe Flacco. Now, after adding veteran center Matt Birk and drafting rookie tackle Michael Oher with the 23rd pickoff the draft, the Ravens are set to take another step toward their goal of reaching Super Bowl XXLIV. However, I will go on record right now to say that Baltimore’s failure to add a speed receiver either through the draft or in free agency, could come back to haunt them.

Cincinnati Bengals +800 (4-11-1 SU, 7-9 ATS, 5-10-1 O/U)

The ‘Bungles’ were back in full force in 2008 NFL sports betting members, looking as inept as ever while dealing with a slew of injuries and off-field issues that sunk the franchise before the regular season ever began. Now, with starting quarterback Carson Palmer returning form a season-long in jury and the franchise drafting offensive tackle Andre Smith to help protect the fragile Palmer, Cincinnati believes it can take a step forward from its recent failures. However, if Cincinnati’s front office thinks the additions of free agent wide receiver Laveranues Coles, quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan and running back Brian Leonard are going to be enough to help this team compete with the likes of Pittsburgh and Baltimore, they are sadly mistaken. The fact of the matter is that the Bengals have worked overtime to destroy everything head coach Marvin Lewis built in his first couple of season of turning the franchise around. Now, NFL bettors can expect more of the same Pop Warner football from the Bengals in 2009.

Cleveland Browns +900 (4-12 SU, 6-9-1 ATS, 6-9-1 O/U)

The Browns made a wise move by hiring former New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini to replace the fired Romeo Crennel, no matter how much I personally liked Crennel as a person. However, the Browns will have their work cut out for them in the powerful AFC North and will likely take at least two seasons under Mangini before they become really competitive. The Browns parted ways with talented but enigmatic tight end Kellen Winslow and added veterans David Patten (WR), Robert Royal (TE) and Floyd Womack (G) in the hopes of giving the team more stability as it transitions under Mangini. Still, expect this team to stay under .500 at least for 2009 while Mangini transforms this team into his own.

Division Analysis: While it’s hard to bet against the Pittsburgh Steelers winning the AFC North in 2009, I fully believe they will be seriously challenged by the Baltimore Ravens before eking out the division title and making another strong postseason run toward their second consecutive Super Bowl championship.

I say the Steelers win the AFC North in 2009 by the skin of their collective teeth, but throwing some money on the Ravens just in case, particularly seeing their terrific division odds, is an excellent idea.

2009 Division Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers