NFL Odds: Best bet to win each division in the 2020 season

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Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

AFC North Best Bet: Cleveland Browns +550

Baltimore Ravens: -225
Pittsburgh Steelers: +350
Cleveland Browns: +550
Cincinnati Bengals: +2500

Just a year ago, the Cleveland Browns were considered one of the favorites to win the AFC North after a huge offseason that saw them add Odell Beckham Jr., Olivier Vernon, Sheldon Richardson and Greedy Williams to the roster on the heels of Baker Mayfield’s record-breaking rookie season. The needle was pointing up in The Land and expectations were exceptionally high.

Their expected domination of the NFL never transpired. In fact, it was the opposite. The Browns finished third in the AFC North with a 6-10 record. It was disappointing by any standard. Yet, the Browns may actually be able to turn things around in the 2020 NFL season.

Protecting Mayfield was a tremendous struggle for Cleveland last season as the team starting Chris Hubbard and Greg Robinson, both of whom are sub-standard players, at the offensive tackles spots. The Browns rectified that this offseason, signing Jack Conklin in free agency and using a first-round pick on Jedrick Wills Jr. Even if Wills struggles as a rookie, he’s an upgrade and the line should be a much more solid unit.

Not only did the Browns also fix another mistake, firing Freddie Kitchens and hiring Kevin Stefanski but they continuity and chemistry of the team should be improved. There were numerous instances of miscommunication and not being on the same page throughout the year but, with a year together and in a better offense, that should start to look better.

Even though Cleveland has a lot going for them entering the year, the AFC North will still be tough. The Ravens went 14-2 last season and improved this offseason while the Steelers get Ben Roethlisberger back to help an offense that struggled opposite a defense that came into its own. Despite that, getting the Browns at +550 is tremendous value as they have a legitimate chance to make a run at the division title.

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