Are the Ravens a good bet to win the AFC North? Find out when we take a closer look at the betting odds and the rest of the AFC North with predictions and more.
Baltimore Dominates Detroit
Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson Jackson threw three scoring strikes and scampered in for another as the Ravens dominated the Lions on Sunday for their fifth victory of the season.
Baltimore scored four TDs before Detroit could secure its opening first-down, while the Ravens defense held the Lions to 5-16 on third-down conversions.
LAMAR AND NELLY MAKE IT HAPPEN❗️❗️❗️
Tune in on FOX! pic.twitter.com/kO1C0eL4K2
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 22, 2023
The Ravens’ offense has been inconsistent thus far, and the 38 points scored against Detroit were the team’s highest output of the season.
Jackson has connected on 70% of his passing attempts in every game, but one in 2023, and the former MVP has three multiple passing touchdowns per game thus far in 2023 after having only four multiple passing touchdowns in a dozen games in 2022.
The Baltimore defense is getting healthier, and its talent was on full display against the Lions. The Ravens allowed 337 yards of offense and six points to Detroit–Baltimore tops the NFL in points allowed (13.8) and is second in total yards allowed (271.7).
Sunday was the third time the defense held its opponent to 10 points or fewer this season, which is why Baltimore leads the league in points allowed.
Is Baltimore a Good Bet to Win the AFC North?
Yes, Baltimore is a good bet to win the AFC North.
The Ravens have away victories over AFC North rivals Cincinnati and Cleveland, which were important wins because Baltimore was missing up to 10 starters in each game. The Ravens are getting healthier, and Jackson and the offense are getting the job done when it matters most.
Cleveland is the second favorite (+240). The Browns are 4-2 on the season. While the Browns defense allows the fewest yards per game, the Browns’ offense is a mess, and who knows if Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson will turn his dead-end career around.
Pittsburgh is +500 to win the AFC North, and while they are 4-2 and have a victory over Baltimore, the Steelers are 26th in scoring and are too reliant on an aging defense to score points and make big plays every week because the Pittsburgh offense struggles to score the football.
Cincinnati is +650 to win the AFC North. The Bengals have reached two consecutive AFC Finals and lost Super Bowl LVI 23-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs. Cincinnati hasn’t recovered from the preseason calf injury to quarterback Joe Burrow, and as a result, the Bengals offense can’t seem to get on track.
They’ve won two straight and are coming off a Week 7 bye but have a difficult Week 8 away matchup with San Francisco, followed by a home game with Buffalo.
Finally, with the Ravens getting healthier and Jackson getting more accustomed to his new teammates, there is no reason why Baltimore can’t win the AFC North.
The Ravens have the experience, a terrific defense, and an MVP candidate in Jackson (+650 BetMGM), and there is no reason, barring injury to Jackson, that Baltimore can’t win the title. Take Baltimore (+100) to win the AFC North at BetMGM Sportsbook Maryland.
For more Maryland sports betting picks, check us out here at MD Betting.
