AFC North Betting: Sell Steelers, Trust Joe Burrow?

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Game Time Decisions

Bengals, Browns and Steelers Create a Complicated Divisional Race

Pittsburgh has won two games in a row, including one in overtime and another against a struggling Saints team, but this could be the time to start fading the Steelers. The problem is that they play Cleveland next, creating a divisional matchup between two teams that may both be difficult to trust.

Cincinnati sits at 4-2 and appears to have a significant opportunity within the division. Joe Burrow has not been sacked often, and keeping him upright is crucial. When healthy, he remains one of the league’s best quarterbacks, and the Bengals can score 40 points against anyone when their offense is operating at its best.

The Bengals’ defense also delivered an impressive second half against Baltimore. After bending without breaking in the first half, Cincinnati prevented Baltimore from moving the ball after halftime. However, the Bengals have struggled to sustain momentum. They can win consecutive games, become road favorites and then unexpectedly lose, as they did in Pittsburgh.

Baltimore remains difficult to evaluate without clarity about Lamar Jackson’s health. Until he returns and plays, there is no reliable way to assess the Ravens or confidently bet on them. Pittsburgh may not remain in contention through the end of the season, but Cleveland has already accumulated enough wins that playing .500 football the rest of the way could put the Browns in the playoffs.

Cleveland has young contributors, including Concepcion and Boston, but its success has primarily come from its defense. That unit could become even more important when divisional games are played in difficult December conditions. The Browns also have a kicker who has repeatedly made game-winning field goals, although consistently winning close games is difficult to sustain. Cleveland could play well and still lose a game 19-17 as those results begin to normalize.

In the playoffs, Cleveland’s defense could give the team a chance to win an opening home game against an opponent such as Denver. Advancing beyond that point against a high-scoring team like Buffalo would be a much greater challenge. Regardless, Cleveland has been the biggest surprise of the year.