Cincinnati Bengals Betting Odds

After an 11 win regular season in 2005, the Cincinnati Bengals only managed 8 wins a year ago.  With as much offensive talent as any team in the NFL, the key to the Bengals returning to the playoffs lies in their players staying out of trouble with the law and improving on defense.  Sportsbook.com has posted the Cincinnati Bengals betting odds to win Super Bowl XLII at 18 to 1.

“I could see this team going anywhere from 7-9 to 11-5 with their incredible imbalance on offense and defense,” stated Point-Spreads.com NFL Handicapper Brad Marchetti. “ I think Marvin Lewis is a good coach but you have to wonder if their off the field troubles are due to a lack of leadership on Lewis's part. With a great QB like Carson Palmer I think that 3-2 betting odds to win the division would be a good bet if Baltimore wasn't in their division but they are so that number looks too slim.”

The 2005 Bengals were at times spectacular but the end result was a disappointing 8-8 season.  Carson Palmer has quickly become one of the games best passers and big things are expected yet again.  Despite missing out on his off season training regimen, Palmer passed for 4035 yards and 28 touchdowns. Don’t be surprised if those numbers even increase this season.

Combining for 2450 yards, 177 receptions and 16 scores, Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are as talented as any duo in the league.  Unfortunately, Palmer will not have the game’s most talented third receiver, Chris Henry, at his disposal since he will be serving an eight game suspension due to chronic issues with the Law.  The running game will once again be led by the hard running Rudi Johnson.  The workhorse put up very impressive numbers again last season but his yards per carry average was down .5 yards from the previous season.

Obviously the Cincinnati Bengals are sorted out on the offensive side of the ball; the defense, on the other hand, is kind of a mystery.  Last season they ranked 30th in the NFL in yardage surrendered (355.1) and 17th in points allowed (20.7).  There is some decent talent on the Bengals defense, including one of the better defensive end tandems in the NFL, Justin Smith and Robert Geathers.  Brian Simmons will no longer be anchoring the linebacking unit; taking his place Ahmad Brooks and his loads of potential.

The secondary is led by the effective safety tandem of Madieu Williams and Dexter Jackson. Cornerback Deltha O’Neal took a huge step back last season and could be pushed by rookie Leon Hall.  In order for the Bengals to oust the Ravens a top of the North, the defense will need to play at an above average level at the very least.