For much of the last decade, the AFC North has been the NFL’s most bruising battleground, and 2025 looks no different. Three of the four teams have legitimate playoff aspirations, and sportsbooks currently project the North as the only division where every team has a win total over seven.
With Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh all fielding playoff-caliber defenses and top-level quarterback play across most of the division, the AFC North could once again send three teams to the postseason. Today, we break down the NFL futures and expectations for all four franchises.
Baltimore Ravens
It’s no surprise the Ravens open as narrow favorites to win the division, with odds around -160. John Harbaugh’s team has been a model of consistency, and Lamar Jackson enters 2025 fresh off another MVP-caliber campaign. Baltimore’s dynamic rushing attack, plus improvements in the receiving corps, gives them a balanced offense to pair with a top-five defense.
The biggest concern? Depth on the offensive line. Injuries derailed playoff hopes in years past, and bettors who back Baltimore are essentially wagering on Lamar staying healthy. Still, Jackson’s playmaking and the Ravens’ strong record against AFC North competition make them a safe pick to win the division again.
Cincinnati Bengals
After an injury-plagued 2024, Joe Burrow returns fully healthy, and that alone has vaulted Cincinnati’s futures odds back near Baltimore’s. The Bengals sit at roughly +265 to win the North, making them second overall in most markets. With Ja’Marr Chase still in place as one of the league’s most unstoppable receivers, Cincinnati’s offense should bounce back in a big way.
Defensively, upgrades in the secondary and continued development in the pass rush give the Bengals a strong two-way profile. Bettors should view Cincinnati as the highest-upside play in the division: if Burrow plays a full season, the Bengals have the best chance to reach another Super Bowl.
Pittsburgh Steelers
At +425 to win the division, the Steelers are a long shot this season, but counting out Mike Tomlin has never been wise. Pittsburgh has not endured a losing season in his 18 years at the helm, and Aaron Rodgers brings a veteran presence at quarterback. While not as explosive as the Ravens or Bengals, the Steelers win with defense and toughness, which are traits that always play well in the AFC North.
Their projected win total of 7.5 reflects the challenge of playing six divisional games against playoff-level opponents. Still, Pittsburgh’s defense is more than capable of stealing games, and their track record of hanging around in January races makes them a sneaky futures bet for those looking at long odds.
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland is the true wild card of 2025. The Browns boast one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses, led by Myles Garrett, but NFL sportsbooks have priced them at +3300 to win the division. However, much depends on quarterback consistency. Joe Flacco has been named the Week 1 starter, and there is a crowded QB room waiting in the wings should he fail to live up to expectations.
Projected Outlook
The AFC North is easily the deepest division in the league. Baltimore and Cincinnati are the safest bets to compete for the crown, while Pittsburgh has the makeup of a dangerous playoff spoiler.
Prediction: The Ravens edge out the Bengals for the division, with Cincinnati and possibly Pittsburgh both landing Wild Card berths.
