NFL Predictions 2009: The shine finally came off the Marvin Lewis era last year as the Bengals finished a dismal 4-11-1. It was the second straight losing year for the franchise, signaling that the once hot coaching commodity might be on the chopping block if the team does not show some serious improvement this season. Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com foresee at least some kind of enhancement as the over 6.5 wins is favored at -140 in the bookmaker's Cincinnati Bengals NFL Predictions 2009.
Last year franchise quarterback Carson Palmer hit the shelf just four games into the season. The USC product suffered a tear of the ulnar-collateral ligament in his throwing arm and was forced to hand the reins over to an inexperienced Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick was not horrible, throwing for 1905 yards, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions, but he was no Palmer.
However, Fitzpatrick was far from the Bengals worst offensive problem as the beleaguered line gave up 51 sacks on the year and paved the way for a lowly 95 yards rushing per game (29th lowest in the league). Once an offensive juggernaut, the Cincy offense was the worst in the league in both scoring (12.75) and yards per game (245.5).
There is certainly hope for improvement as Palmer returns healthy with a capable cast of skill positions players. Leading receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh is gone, but veteran wideout Laveranues Coles was signed in the off-season. Also, Chad Ocho Cinco has, reportedly, recommitted himself to the game and is intent on posting 2005, 2006, and 2007-like totals rather than the 53 receptions for 540 yards he tallied last year.
If the offensive line can improve, there is certainly enough talent around it to post some respectable numbers once again. The Bengals are hoping former Alabama tackle Andre Smith, whom they selected with the sixth overall pick, can be the catalyst for some better play out of the men in the trenches.
Defensively the Bengals were a middle-of-the-road unit last season. The club ranked 12th in yards per game allowed at 325.5, but was 19th in points per game allowed, yielding an average of 22.8 to their opposition.
They saw a number of departures in the off-season, including safety Mike Doss, but added former Cowboys Tank Johnson and Roy Williams in addition to drafting USC linebacker Rey Maualuga. There are some pieces in place, like linebackers Dhani Jones and Keith Rivers and cornerback Leon Hall, that could move this group into the top third of the league in 2009.
The Bengals open the season at home on September 13th against the Denver Broncos. They travel to Green Bay in week two and return home on September 27th for their first divisional battle of the season as the square off against the Steelers.
Sportsbook.com Cincinnati Bengals NFL Predictions 2009 – Super Bowls Odds 2010
Cincinnati Bengals Season Win Total:
Over 6.5 (-140)
Under 6.5 (+110)
Cincinnati Bengals Odds to Win the AFC North Division:
+500
Cincinnati Bengals Odds to Win the 2010 AFC Championship:
+3000
Cincinnati Bengals Super Bowl Odds 2010:
+6000
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