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When it comes to the odds of winning the AFC North in 2013, once again we are looking at a tight race between the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and, yes, a solid Cincinnati Bengals squad. The odds found at Sportsbetting.com demonstrate this.
At any given time, each of these teams were coming in around 2/1 odds with Baltimore and Cincinnati close to +220.
Each of these teams will likely be vying for a Playoffs spot come December.
AthlonSports.com considers what needs to be done for each to make that final leap, with Baltimore likely having the easiest route to the postseason and the Bengals having what could prove to be a brutal stretch in December.
Playoff Push for the Ravens: The good news is Minnesota and Detroit start the final month of the season for the Champs. The bad news is the Ravens will face New England at home and the Bengals on the road in the season's final two games. Baltimore likely needs to be at seven or eight wins entering December to make the playoffs with a nasty end to its season.
Playoff Push for the Steelers: Playoff Push: The Steelers play the Ravens on Thanksgiving night, so technically they play just four games in December. Even with three of the four at home, Pittsburgh will have its work cut off for them during its final month, as Miami and former Steeler wideout Mike Wallace, along with divisional foes Cincinnati and Cleveland will be invading Heinz Field. The Bengals in particular could be battling for a playoff spot and/or positioning when they arrive in Week 15. And as far as that lone road game in December goes, it's just a trip to Green Bay to play the Packers on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field a couple of days before Christmas with, more than likely, playoff implications for both conferences on the line. What's so tough about that?
Playoff Push for the Bengals: Playoff Push: As the "toughest stretch" shows, the final month of the season will be brutal for the Bengals. The two division games are massive but a potential wild card showdown with Indianapolis and visit from the developing Vikings and All-Day are just as difficult. The good news is three of the final four contests will come at home, including the all-important regular season finale against the Ravens.
- Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com
