Who Will Win the AFC North Ahead of Steelers vs. Bengals on Thursday Night Football?
The AFC North has been utter chaos for the first six weeks of the season, as quarterback woes have taken out the top two teams. Can Lamar Jackson and the Ravens bounce back? Until then, the Steelers will look to lengthen their division lead to three games with a win over the reeling Bengals on Thursday Night Football. Peter Alexis analyzes the latest AFC North odds and outlook.
Peter Alexis - October 16, 2025, 4:15 PM EDT
5 Minute ReadAFC North Odds: Can Aaron Rodgers, Steelers Extend Division Lead Over Banged-Up Ravens, Bengals on TNF?
The AFC North remains one of football’s most unpredictable divisions, but after six weeks, it’s the Pittsburgh Steelers who hold the upper hand. Aaron Rodgers has led the Steelers to a 4-1 start, putting them in control as -160 favorites to win the division heading into Thursday Night Football. Pittsburgh will host the Cincinnati Bengals tonight as 5.5-point favorites, and a win would further cement their position atop a division that’s quickly become defined by quarterback instability and injury concerns.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves in unfamiliar territory at 1-5, sitting at the bottom of the division standings. Still, oddsmakers have shown surprising faith in them — listing Baltimore at just +190 to win the AFC North and +110 to make the playoffs despite the early struggles. That confidence largely stems from Lamar Jackson’s expected return following the team’s Week 7 bye, as well as a favorable upcoming schedule. The Ravens’ defense has regressed, but their offense remains dangerous when Jackson is healthy, and they’ll soon have a chance to reset.
Further down the standings, the Bengals and Browns are both facing quarterback issues that have crippled their seasons. Cincinnati just traded for Joe Flacco to fill in for the injured Joe Burrow, and Cleveland is rolling with rookie Dillon Gabriel after an uneven start. The Bengals sit at +2000 to win the division, while the Browns are extreme longshots at +7000 despite their top-three defense. It’s been a messy start across the board, but Pittsburgh and Baltimore have clearly separated themselves as the only two realistic contenders.
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AFC North Division Odds
- Pittsburgh Steelers: -160
- Baltimore Ravens: +190
- Cincinnati Bengals: +2000
- Cleveland Browns: +7000
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AFC North Division Breakdown
At -160, the Steelers are rightfully the frontrunners. Rodgers hasn’t been spectacular statistically, but he’s brought poise and control to an offense that was in desperate need of stability. Paired with one of the league’s top defenses, Pittsburgh has looked efficient and opportunistic, winning close games and thriving in key moments. Their schedule does stiffen in November, but they’ve already built enough cushion to weather a rough patch if it comes.
The real intrigue lies with Baltimore. Even at 1-5, the Ravens’ playoff and division odds tell a story — the sportsbooks are expecting a late surge. With a Week 7 bye to regroup and Lamar Jackson expected to return from his hamstring injury by the end of October, Baltimore could be in position to make a run. Their upcoming stretch includes winnable matchups against the Bears, Dolphins, Vikings, Browns, and Jets. If Jackson stays healthy, a 4-1 or even 5-0 stretch isn’t out of the question, which would immediately vault them back into contention.
Defensive issues have plagued the Ravens all season, particularly in the secondary, but this remains one of the more experienced rosters in the AFC. Last year’s 13-win team has largely stayed intact, and a healthier lineup could quickly resemble the version that dominated the division in 2024. At +190, there’s value in Baltimore if you’re betting on the talent and trusting the schedule.
Cincinnati and Cleveland, on the other hand, face much steeper climbs. The Bengals are still searching for an identity on defense and will likely need Flacco to manage the offense while the team leans on the run game. Cleveland’s defense has been elite, but their offensive woes are glaring. Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has been a bright spot, yet without consistent quarterback play, it’s hard to see the Browns keeping pace.
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