Hit the over on the Ravens’ 11.5 wins, the Bengals’ 9.5 wins, and the Browns’ over 4.5 wins. The Establishment
In the world of sports betting, over/under totals on team wins are among the most popular wagers for NFL fans. The AFC North division, home to some of the league’s most storied franchises—the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers—has long been a competitive battleground. In this piece, we’ll delve deep into the projected over/under win totals for the Baltimore Ravens (11.5), Cincinnati Bengals (9.5), and Cleveland Browns (4.5) for the 2025 NFL season. We’ll explore the rosters, recent trends, team management, and key factors that might shape each team’s performance, ultimately making the case for why these three teams will surpass their respective win totals.
The Baltimore Ravens have been a force in the AFC North for the better part of two decades. With a strong defense, a dynamic offense, and a rich history of success, the Ravens are one of the NFL’s most respected organizations. Heading into the 2025 season, the Ravens have a projected win total of **11.5** wins. Here’s why the Ravens are poised to surpass this lofty figure.
Lamar Jackson, the 2019 MVP, has been the cornerstone of the Ravens’ offense for years. Despite some critics questioning his style of play and potential to lead a Super Bowl-winning team, Jackson has proven time and again that he is a top-tier quarterback. In 2025, Jackson enters his prime with more weapons and refined skills. His passing game continues to improve under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who took over in 2023.
Monken’s offense has allowed Jackson to develop a more traditional quarterback skill set without abandoning his playmaking ability as a runner. The combination of his elusiveness and a growing ability to read defenses through the air makes Jackson even more dangerous. Add in the fact that Jackson has a strong, diverse group of receivers at his disposal, including standout tight end Mark Andrews and a speedy group of wideouts, and the Ravens’ offense becomes difficult to stop.
Historically, the Ravens have been a defensive juggernaut, and that trend continues into 2025. Baltimore’s defense has consistently been one of the league’s best, and their front seven—anchored by stars like linebacker Patrick Queen and defensive lineman Calais Campbell—is a formidable unit. The Ravens have invested heavily in defense, and their secondary, with playmakers like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams, remains one of the league’s strongest.
Baltimore’s defense can control games, allowing their offense to operate with more flexibility and less pressure. With a defense that can force turnovers, stop the run, and get after the quarterback, the Ravens are built to win close games—something crucial when attempting to hit 12 wins.
In the offseason, the Ravens made moves to strengthen their roster. Whether it’s through the draft, free agency, or trades, Baltimore continues to build a deep, well-rounded squad. The presence of experienced coaching leadership, especially with John Harbaugh at the helm, adds an extra layer of security. Harbaugh’s tenure has been marked by adaptability and a consistent ability to win, especially in tight divisional matchups.
Given the team’s mixture of veteran leadership and young talent, the Ravens are in a prime position to win the AFC North outright, potentially cruising past 12 wins.
The Cincinnati Bengals have undergone a renaissance since Joe Burrow’s arrival in 2020. The team quickly transformed from perennial losers to legitimate contenders, reaching the Super Bowl in 2022 and continuing to build upon that success. For 2025, the Bengals’ win total is set at **9.5** wins, which seems entirely achievable given their roster, coaching, and established quarterback play.
Joe Burrow has proven himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. With incredible poise, leadership, and a knack for delivering in clutch situations, Burrow has reshaped the trajectory of the Bengals franchise. As a true field general, Burrow’s growth has been meteoric, and the Bengals have built their entire offense around him.
His weapons are elite: wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins form one of the best tandems in the NFL, while Tyler Boyd adds depth to the receiving corps. This trio of pass-catchers gives Burrow a plethora of options, making the Bengals’ offense a high-powered, hard-to-stop unit.
One of the key factors for the Bengals’ sustained success is their offensive line. In previous years, Burrow was often under pressure due to a porous offensive line, but the Bengals have made concerted efforts to improve that unit. With the addition of key offensive line pieces and development of existing players, the Bengals’ front five is now much more formidable.
The team’s running game has been solid as well, with Joe Mixon continuing to be a productive back. While the passing game is the primary weapon, having a balanced offense ensures that defenses cannot simply key in on Burrow and the passing attack.
The Bengals’ defense has been a key part of their ascent as a contender in the AFC. Led by defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Cincinnati’s defense is well-coached and increasingly dynamic. The presence of stars like linebacker Logan Wilson, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson gives the Bengals the ability to disrupt offenses in a variety of ways.
In 2025, the defense is poised to continue its ascent, especially with young, developing players continuing to hit their stride. The Bengals’ defense can’t be overlooked, as it complements the offense well, creating an identity as a well-rounded team capable of competing with the league’s best.
While the AFC North is always competitive, the Bengals’ roster is stacked and ready to take on any opponent. Their schedule in 2025 will present challenges, but with Burrow at the helm and a growing defense, Cincinnati is poised to win at least 10 games. Additionally, Cincinnati’s strong divisional matchups will prove to be critical—especially with their ability to outgun other teams in shootouts.
The Cleveland Browns are a team that has long been in a state of transition, with years of mismanagement and inconsistency holding the team back from reaching its potential. However, there is reason to believe that 2025 could be the year the Browns take a significant leap forward. With a win total of **4.5**, they are well-positioned to exceed expectations.
Deshaun Watson’s arrival in Cleveland in 2022 was supposed to be the answer to the Browns’ long-standing quarterback woes. However, Watson’s first season back after suspension was rocky. In 2025, Watson enters the season with a full year of experience in the Browns’ system and a better grasp of what head coach Kevin Stefanski expects of him.
While Watson may never fully recapture his pre-suspension form, he doesn’t need to be the MVP-level player he once was to lead this team to success. If Watson can simply return to solid, efficient play—particularly in key situations—the Browns’ offense can function at a much higher level.
The Browns boast one of the best running backs in the league in Nick Chubb. Chubb’s combination of vision, strength, and burst makes him a constant threat on the ground. Cleveland’s offensive line, often regarded as one of the best in the NFL, is the perfect unit to pave the way for Chubb’s success.
With a strong rushing attack, Cleveland’s offense can maintain control of games, limit turnovers, and keep the defense rested. In an AFC North division where tough, physical football is the standard, the Browns’ ability to run the ball effectively will play a crucial role in their success.
The Browns’ defense is packed with potential. Led by pass rusher Myles Garrett, the defense has a number of playmakers at each level, including linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and cornerback Denzel Ward. With defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in place, Cleveland’s defense is poised to take a significant step forward.
In 2025, the Browns’ defense should be aggressive and disruptive. When combined with a strong run game, the defense will be able to keep the team competitive week in and week out, increasing the likelihood of surpassing 4.5 wins.
The Browns’ schedule in 2025, while challenging, also presents opportunities for wins. In a division where the other teams are strong but often inconsistent, Cleveland’s ability to sneak out victories—especially in divisional matchups—could propel them to five or more wins.
The AFC North is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, but all three teams—the Ravens, Bengals, and Browns—are poised to exceed their win totals in the 2025 season. The Ravens’ dynamic offense, led by Lamar Jackson, and their elite defense make them a lock to surpass 11.5 wins. The Bengals, with Joe Burrow at the helm and a strong supporting cast, will hit the over on 9.5 wins, while the Browns, with a resurgent Deshaun Watson, Nick Chubb, and an improving defense, will break the 4.5-win mark.
In conclusion, betting the over on the Ravens, Bengals, and Browns is not just a hopeful wager; it’s an informed prediction based on each team’s current trajectory, roster strength, and ability to compete in the rugged AFC North. All signs point to these teams outperforming their win totals, making them the smart picks for this NFL season.
