NFL Betting: Cincinnati Bengals AFC North Preview

Written by Matt Foust

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

In 2007 the Cincinnati Bengals had more trouble than a marathoner at the World's Strongest Man competition. Although they won three of their last four games, they could not overcome a 1-4 start. On top of the poor play were seemingly constant player legal troubles and in-house bickering. The off-season looked like more of the same as wide receiver Chad Johnson and Head Coach Marvin Lewis continued to publically display their differences. Consequently, NFL Betting odds at BodogLife.com have the Bengals listed at 7/2 odds to win the AFC North crown.

Cincinnati continued to display a strong offensive attack in 2007 as they finished the year ranked eleventh in scoring at 23.8 points per game. Franchise QB Carson Palmer's rating dropped some, but he still threw for over 4,000 yards and had 26 touchdown tosses. Much to the chagrin of Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh became Palmer's favorite target. T.J. led the league with 112 receptions and hauled in 12 touchdowns for good measure.

Despite all the off-season animosity, it appears Johnson will be a Bengal in 2008. While this may not help locker room morale, it should aid Cincinnati's unrelenting air show. If running back Rudi Johnson can return to his old form and Kenny Watson can retain the form he displayed in a break-out 2007 season, the Bengals will have no problem putting points on the scoreboard.

Aside from all the locker antics, what really vexed the Bengals in 2007 was a porous defense. This group permitted adversaries to score 24.1 points per game, and gain almost 350 yards per game to boot. As a result, Cincinnati spent two of their first three draft picks on defensive players. USC standout linebacker Keith Rivers was added in the first round and Auburn big man Pat Sims was taken in the third. The club also added DE Antwan Odom, who had eight sacks last season for the Titans, to replace yeoman like defensive end Justin Smith, who departed to San Francisco.

NFL Betting odds at BodogLife.com currently have Cincinnati at 40/1 odds to win the Super Bowl and 20/1 odds to take home the Lamar Hunt Trophy.

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