AFC North NFL betting trends: Pittsburgh Steelers taking little action to win division

Does Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin enter the 2020 season on the hot seat? The Steelers have missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for just the second time this century – and a third straight year without postseason football is not acceptable for that model franchise.

Most would argue that Tomlin did a fine job in 2019 despite an 8-8 record because the Steelers lost starting quarterback and future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger to a season-ending injury in Week 2. Big Ben said recently that he's "throwing without pain for the first time in years" and should be fine for training camp – assuming camp starts on time due to the coronavirus.

Despite the return of Roethlisberger, bettors at William Hill sportsbook are not wagering much on Pittsburgh at +275 to win the AFC North for the first time since 2017. The Steelers have taken just three percent of all money wagered on that prop – by far the lowest in the division. A total of 22 percent of all tickets issued have been on Pittsburgh.

Even Cincinnati, coming off a 2-14 season, has taken 14 percent of all money wagered on this prop and 22 percent of all tickets. The Bengals are +3000 long shots as they prepare to begin the Joe Burrow era.

Cleveland is +500 and the most tickets in the division have been purchased on the Browns at 34 percent. They are taking 39 percent of all money. Most would agree the Browns were one of the winners of free agency with the additions of tight end Austin Hooper and offensive tackle Jack Conklin.

Defending division champion Baltimore is the -180 favorite and taking 44 percent of all money wagered on this prop and 22 percent of the tickets. The Ravens have had a fine offseason in beefing up the defensive line with the signing of Michael Brockers and trade for Calais Campbell. Could the team still add Jadeveon Clowney?