2024 NFL Season AFC North Odds: Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals favored

Ahead of the 2024 NFL Season, the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals are favored to win the AFC East one year after all four teams finished the season with winning records.

The Ravens earned the AFC's No. 1 seed in last season's playoffs while the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers snuck in through the Wild Card. The Bengals missed the postseason thanks to QB Joe Burrow missing the last seven games due to injury.

With Burrow - who led the Bengals to the NFL Championship in his second professional season - fully healthy, the AFC North could look much different.

NFL AFC North 2024 - To Win Division

BAL Ravens	+125
CIN Bengals	+165
CLE Browns	+550
PIT Steelers	+700

Baltimore Ravens +125

The Baltimore Ravens lost a bunch of key players in free agency, including losing two to division rivals: Linebacker Patrick Queen went to the Steelers and safety Geno Stone went to the Bengals.

But the Baltimore faithful will be relieved that the team re-signed two of their top pass rushers, Justin Madubuike and Kyle Van Noy. Plus, the defense still has safety Kyle Hamilton, linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and another two corners in draft picks Nate Wiggins and TJ Tampa.

The Ravens also improved their offense. They still have reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, the lethal tight end duo of Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely and solid wideouts in Zay Flowers and Rashad Bateman. The biggest change is they brought in powerhouse running back and four-time Pro Bowler Derrick Henry to strengthen the ground game.

Cincinnati Bengals +165

The Cincinnati Bengals had a strong offseason, but the most important change from last season will be Joe Burrow's health. Head coach Zac Taylor will hope he can last the full campaign and into the playoffs, and they selected offensive tackle Amarius Mims in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to protect the franchise QB.

Cincy also added safety Geno Stone, who had seven interceptions with the Baltimore Ravens last season. Former Michigan defensive tackle and second-round pick Kris Jenkins should strengthen the pass rush.

The Bengals lost top running back Joe Mixon in free agency, but so far they have been able to keep the star wide receiver duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins together, despite Higgins being upset at the lack of contract extension talks.

Cleveland Browns +550

In his two seasons as the Cleveland Browns franchise quarterback, Deshaun Watson has not played in more than six games in a season due to injury and suspension. He was a Pro Bowler in all three of his full seasons as the Houston Texans starting QB but has not nearly found the same success in Ohio.

Watson's availability is key to any hopes the Browns have at making a playoff run. They snuck in last season thanks to heroic play by Joe Flacco, who won Comeback Player of the Year for his efforts, but coach Kevin Stefanski will want to see what the team can do with Watson playing in all 17 games.

Offensive lineman Germain Ifedi was added this offseason to protect Watson, while running back Nyheim Hines will take a bit of pressure off the passing game. They traded for Jerry Jeudy, who will be another veteran target for Watson along with Amari Cooper and David Njoku.

Pittsburgh Steelers +700

As usual, the Pittsburgh Steelers defense will be good in 2024. The issue is on the offensive side of the ball, as there is little certainty anywhere, particularly at quarterback.

It seems that veteran addition Russell Wilson will start at QB, but Justin Fields is waiting in the wings in case of an injury or poor play. Either way, the QBs have young receivers in George Pickens and Roman Wilson to pass to and Najee Harris, Daijun Edwards and Jaylen Warren to hand the ball off to.

Defensively, edge rusher TJ Watt is always a threat to lead the league in sacks, rookie Payton Wilson and free agent signing Patrick Queen could form a top-three inside linebacker duo, and Minkah Fitzpatrick is a playmaker in the secondary.

Odds displayed in this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.