2008 Cincinnati Bengals NFL Betting Preview - Betus Sportsbook

Cincinnati Bengals
2007 Record: 7-9
ATS: 6-9-1
Super Bowl Odds: 50-1

A two-game winning streak to close out the regular season in 2007 made the Bengals’ campaign look a little better than it really was – but that 7-9 mark (6-9-1 against the spread) is still reflective of a team in decline. Since winning the AFC North division back in 2005 with 11 wins, the Bengals have put up seasons of eight and seven victories, respectively; they’re coming off yet another tumultuous off season.

The team’s biggest concern is wide receiver Chad Johnson, who has been loudly stating his desire for a change of scenery. Johnson caught eight TD passes and picked up over 1400 receiving yards for the Bengals last season, and the team has stated that they won’t trade him. Whether or not they stick to their gums remains to be seen, as Johnson’s discontent would be a major distraction in camp. Plus, Cincinnati is already down one wide receiver, as they waived troubled Chris Henry back in April after yet another run-in with the law. That could leave RJ Housshmandzadeh and rookies Jerome Simpson and Adre Caldwell as targets for Carson Palmer in 2008.

While Palmer isn’t coming off his best season; he did manage to pass for over 4100 yards and throw 26 TD strikes, but was picked off 20 times. A resurgent running game would take some of the heat off Palmer in the pocket; Rudi Johnson ran for just 497 yards and 3 TD’s in 11 games. Johnson will be looking to re-assert himself this season & become one of the league’s top backs once again. The Bengals’ defense was hit by injuries last season, and they lost safety Madieu William, line backer Landon Johnson, and defensive end Justin Smith in the offseason. Brought into the fold was defensive end Antwan Odom and new coordinator Mike Zimmer, but turning around the Bengals’ defense will be a tall order. Unless Palmer goes all-world, Cincy could keep sliding.

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