AFC North Odds

The Cleveland Browns notwithstanding, the AFC North should be extremely competitive in 2010, but the three division favorites aren't without their flaws. So who is most likely to win the AFC North crown?

The Baltimore Ravens (-120 AFC North odds) at Betus are the favorite to take the division and, possibly, the Super Bowl (11/1 Super Bowl odds). Baltimore has carefully developed a young nucleus over the past few seasons and paired it with a sound veteran core. Generally considered a hindrance in Baltimore for the past decade, the offense could emerge as one of the NFL's best. Joe Flacco is poised for a breakout season after finally getting a No. 1 receiver in the offseason (former Cardinal Anquan Boldin). The Ravens also have one of the league's better ground games, led by the explosive Ray Rice.

The defense, on the other hand, has some serious question marks. The Ravens were devastated by the recent season-ending knee injury to Dominique Foxworth, leaving the team way too thin at corner. Throw in injury and contract concerns with safety Ed Reed-who probably won't be on the field till October-and Baltimore has a lot of work to do in the secondary. Don't be surprised to see a veteran free agent or two added to the pot.

After the tumultuous offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers have +250 odds to win the AFC North. Everyone should be more than well aware, by now, about the off-field transgressions by Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes. It led to a suspension for Big Ben (four to six games) and a trade out of Pittsbugh for Holmes. Starting the season with Byron Leftwich under center won't sink the Steelers, but it will significantly dent their chances of winning the North.

The team faced another mini-disaster recently when right tackle Willie Colon went down with a season-ending injury. Pittsburgh has little depth on the line, but it managed to pick up Flozell Adams from the scrap heap. Adams isn't the player he used to be, but you could do worse at the last minute; he could even surprise since he'll be moving to the right side, where he won't face opponents' top pass rusher.

Pittsburgh is closely followed by the Cincinnati Bengals (+275 AFC North odds), who have made it plainly clear they're going for broke in 2010. Last year's excellent defense-which finished fourth in yards and sixth in points allowed-remains completely intact, with the strongest point coming at corner, where Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall form arguably the best starting duo in the NFL.

The offense was a little plodding last year; it gone the job done, but changes were made in the offseason to make it more explosive. Terrell Owens and Antonio Bryant were signed via free agency while tight end Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley were picked up through the draft, giving quarterback Carson Palmer plenty of options to choose from. Owens' presence could upset the balance of the team. He's been on his best behaviour so far, but what else is new for No. 81? Either way, all these targets should help free some room for Cedric Benson, who rushed for 1251 yards last season.

Finally, we have the Cleveland Browns (+1000 AFC North odds), who are being guided by new football boss Mike Holmgren. Holmgren left Eric Mangini and Co. to coach the team in 2010, but that may not last long unless they get some positive results. Unfortunately, the Browns have already suffered a few setbacks before the season has started. Second-round pick Montario Hardesty was expected to boost the running game, but he twisted his knee just days into camp and is on the shelf for now.

The team will be especially vulnerable to the pass this year. Cleveland spent draft picks on defensive backs Joe Haden, TJ Ward and Larry Asante, making for a young and inexperienced secondary. The Browns were actually pretty good at rushing the passer last season, however, so that will relieve some pressure.