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Just like every other NFL season according to Las Vegas, the Baltimore Ravens are underdogs. This year, though, there’s a slight twist. Rather than sitting in second behind the Steelers, they’ve dropped down to third, with only the Cincinnati Bengals beneath them.
2019 AFC North Odds
| Rank | Team | Opening Odds (3/16/19) | Current Odds (7/8/19) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Team | Opening Odds (3/16/19) | Current Odds (7/8/19) |
| 1 | Cleveland Browns | 7/5 | 5/4 |
| 2 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 8/5 | 9/5 |
| 3 | Baltimore Ravens | 5/2 | 3/1 |
| 4 | Cincinnati Bengals | 30/1 | 14/1 |
Latest odds courtesy of Westgate Las Vegas Resort + Casino
Not only did the Ravens open as third in the North, they dropped further from the Cleveland Browns by the oddsmakers.
Personally, I’m puzzled by these odds. The Ravens won the North in 2018 and look to be a formidable opponent in 2019. Lamar Jackson is the biggest question mark, that much is fair to say, but the Steelers just lost some key pieces, including WR Antonio Brown and offensive line coach Mike Munchak, who is praised as an offensive line guru.
To say the Ravens are the star-studded favorites isn’t true. I’ll be the first to admit they aren’t perfect. I’ve published articles on the concerns regarding the pass rush, offensive line and linebackers in 2019. That being said, I believe all three possible contenders to the North have great strengths with a weakness or two, but to see the odds bolster for all three division rivals is questionable.
So once more, get ready to sport your underdog mentality and smirk when the broadcasters pick the opponent each week.