The AFC North will likely be as competitive as ever in the 2024 NFL season, at least if the divisional odds are anything to go by. It’s been four years since the Pittsburgh Steelers last won the AFC North title. In fact, it’s been some time since the Steelers were the dominant force in the division. Between 2007 and 2017, the Steelers won the AFC North no fewer than six times. They even went on to win the AFC Conference in 2008 and 2010, as well as Super Bowl XLIII in 2008.
ESPN
Late Steelers Owner Dan Rooney (right) alongside Head Coach Mike Tomlin (middle) and former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (left) after a victorious Super Bowl XLIII.
Nevertheless, those glory days are somewhat behind Pittsburgh, who are currently positioned behind the rest of their AFC North counterparts next season.
Looking at the AFC North Divisional Winner Futures
At the time of writing, the Steelers are fourth favorites to top the AFC North. They are currently priced at +800 to win the division with bet365. This is one of the most established European online sportsbook brands, which is fast expanding into the regulated North American market. According to this comprehensive review of bet365 app and its capabilities, it’s now live in nine U.S. states.
The Steelers may be one of the most iconic NFL franchises, but they will be challenged this season. It’s been a far cry from the era of winning two Super Bowls in four years between 2005 and 2008.
The third favorites for this year’s AFC North are the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland appears to have shaken off the tag of being the whipping boys of the division, having been taunted by fans of many NFL franchises for their inability to win regularly. The Browns have still never won the AFC North division, but are considered more likely to do so than Pittsburgh in 2024.
The Steelers and the Browns are followed by two hotly-tipped NFL franchises who are difficult to separate in the futures market. The Baltimore Ravens narrowly pip the Cincinnati Bengals as the preseason favorites for the AFC North. The Ravens topped the division last season, racking up 13 wins and losing only four. Baltimore reached the AFC Championship game last season, but were ousted 17-10 by the eventual Super Bowl LVIII winners, Kansas City.
As for the Bengals, they won their first AFC North division since 2013 in 2021 and backed that up by winning it in 2022. They couldn’t compete for the divisional title again in 2023 due largely to the injury at quarterback, Joe Burrow. With him fit again, the Bengals have a real chance, especially after retaining wide receiver, Tee Higgins, on a new one-year contract.
Joshua A. Bickel / Associated Press
Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith sacks Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow during the 2022 season opener in Cincinnati, OH.
Interesting prop bets for the Steelers in 2024
It’s over two months until the Steelers lock horns with the Atlanta Falcons in their opening game of the NFL regular season. Let’s take a look at DraftKings’ current prop bets on the Steelers for the first game, as well as prop bets for those who prefer taking a long-term outlook on NFL teams.
The Falcons are currently favorites on the DraftKings’ moneyline to beat Pittsburgh in the opening game week. However, the Steelers’ price to win the game by 7-12 points (+550) seems quite juicy considering they are more than capable of winning by a single touchdown and a converted field goal.
Equally, if you’re someone who thinks the Steelers may freeze on the opening game week of the season and struggle to get going, backing the Falcons to win by 19-24 points at +1300 seems like another clever play. Looking at both of these pre-game prop bets, you’re effectively covering Pittsburgh narrowly winning by a single touchdown and Atlanta winning comprehensively by a few touchdowns or more.
Looking longer term, Pittsburgh are priced at +2800 to win the 2025 AFC Championship with DraftKings. The last time they won the AFC Championship game was 2010, when they went on to lose to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV. If Pittsburgh can somehow win the AFC North, they may have as good a chance as any to advance to land a Conference Championship.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/8.13.23%20(71%20of%20318)-544x306.jpg "Steelers Mike Tomlin")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin walks on the field at St. Vincent College as his players participate in 2023 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
It’s fair to say that expectations for the 2024 NFL season are somewhat muted among the Pittsburgh fans. The Steelers faithful need something to get behind and maybe the news of Mike Tomlin agreeing a new three-year contract could be the catalyst for a more positive regular season.
