Top to bottom, the AFC North might be the best division in football for the 2023 season and the projections suggest just that. There is a possibility that each team finishes with at least eight wins or more. This was almost achieved last season as three of the four teams did just that so there’s good reason to believe it could happen this season. This edition of NFL over/under predictions targets the AFC North as we take a look at the upcoming campaign for these four teams.
*Odds via FanDuel
NFL Over/Under Predictions: AFC North Edition
Bengals (O/U 11.5)
Taking the over 11.5 wins for the Cincinnati Bengals might not be as easy as one would think. If you take a deeper dive, there are legitimate reasons why they could hit the under. Not only is the AFC North one of the best divisions in football but they also face the Chiefs, Bills, and 49ers as well. With that being said, taking the over is too good to pass up. With a Joe Burrow who just added protection via Orlando Brown Jr. while throwing to this elite receiving core, Cincinnati will be vying for their first Super Bowl after just falling short the last two years. And if you’re worried about Burrow after his injury, head coach Zac Taylor says he looks “as good as he’s ever looked.”
Prediction: Over (2023 win total: 13)
Ravens (O/U 10.5)
Despite Lamar Jackson missing five games in 2022, the Baltimore Ravens managed to win 10 games. Now with their star quarterback coming into the season healthy with a fat new contract, the Ravens are poised to build upon last year and challenge the Bengals for the AFC North crown. They improved the offense and surrounded Jackson with weapons, adding Odell Backham Jr. to the mix along with drafting wide receiver Zay Flowers. Add that with Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman and you have the best receiving core Lamar has ever played with. The Ravens also added notable pieces to a defense that always has been the strong point of the team.
Prediction: Over (11 wins)
Browns (O/U 9.5)
There’s the big unknown surrounding Deshaun Watson coming in 2023. That would make you weary but if you take a look at the overall talent and makeup of this team, the Cleveland Browns jumping their projected win total isn’t too crazy. Last season was undoubtedly the worst Watson has looked in his career but that also came at a time when he was coming off nearly a two-year absence from the game. He comes into 2023 ready to get a full season under his belt throwing to Amari Cooper and handing it off to Nick Chubb in Kevin Stefanski‘s offense. The Browns also feature a top-five offensive line and what could be a top-10 defense led by Myles Garrett. With a strong roster and the tools being there for Watson to improve, Cleveland could be a team to watch.
Prediction: Over (10 wins)
Steelers (O/U 8.5)
With head coach Mike Tomlin at the helm since 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers have never had a losing season and there are valid reasons to suggest that it won’t change. Last season, Pittsburgh won nine games with injuries across key positions on defense and an offense led by a rookie QB behind a bad offensive line. Coming into 2023, Kenny Pickett looks like he can take the next step in his second year along with a healthy defense that can get back to their identity, led by T.J. Watt up front and Minkah Fitzpatrick on the back end. Add on top of the fact that the Steelers have a pretty favorable schedule outside of the AFC North, and Tomlin may have another winning season.
Prediction: Over (9 wins)
Other Division Over/Under Predictions:
AFC East
AFC West
AFC South
NFC East
NFC West
NFC North
NFC South
Main Image: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
