AFC North Betting Odds: Addition Of Boldin Has Baltimore Favored

The Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers have been the class of the AFC North for the better part of the past decade, and once again those two teams should be battling for the division crown. Throw in Cincinnati and odds makers had a tough choice of who to make the betting favorite.

The Ravens had one glaring weakness the past couple of years and that was a big play wide receiver. Baltimore solved that problem this off season by adding Anquan Boldin through a trade with Arizona. Boldin has tilted the balance of power in the division, according to odds makers.

The Ravens are an 11/10 choice to win the AFC North. They have, however, been favored a couple of times recently and have failed to win the division those times. On Wednesday it was reported that safety Ed Reed may miss the first six games of the regular season with an injury.

The Steelers will be without one of their stars for at least the first four games of the year, but it is not due to injury. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is suspended for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Roethlisberger has been accused of rape in Georgia, and even though authorities will not press charges, Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended the Pittsburgh quarterback.

The Steelers are a 9/4 choice, which is third behind the Ravens and the Bengals. Cincinnati has 3/1 odds to repeat as the champions of the division. Last year, while Pittsburgh and Baltimore received all of the pre-season press, the Bengals emerged as the best team in the division.

Cleveland made some strong moves this winter, but sports books still only have them as 12/1 long shots to win the North. Cleveland is now being run by two-time Super Bowl winner Mike Holmgren, and they brought in Jake Delhomme to be their starting quarterback this season.

July 22, 2010
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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