NFL Betting Online: The Bengals have a loaded roster and possibly the most talent in the AFC, but can they finally win a playoff game?
2014 Season Record: 10-5-1 SU, 8-7-1 ATS, 6-10 O/U
2015 Regular Season Wins Total: 8.5, -130 O, +110 U
Odds to Win Super Bowl: +4028
Odds to Win AFC: +1671
Odds to Win Division: +214
The Bengals didn’t get much better this offseason but they certainly didn’t get any worse. Talk about status quo, this team is it, having won between nine and 11 games and making the playoffs in each of the past four years.
Unfortunately the Bengals lost their postseason opener each time and many view 2015 as do-or-die season for coach Marvin Lewis and quarterback Andy Dalton. Lewis enters his 14th season as head coach, a remarkable stretch for someone without a lengthy playoff run.
And Dalton is coming off his worst season as a pro last year with 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. His killer turnovers late in games cost the Bengals at least a couple of wins. He needs to improve for the Bengals to end their Groundhog Day-type existence.
Cincinnati seems to be adding help for Dalton everywhere on offense. Tight end Tyler Kroft was drafted to help absorb the loss of Jermaine Gresham. Receivers A.J. Green and Marvin Jones have healed from their injuries to form an exciting group of ball catchers.
But the scariest part of the Bengals offense is the running game, which could be the best in the AFC. Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard are a one-two punch with styles that couldn’t be more different and they’ll be running behind an improved offensive line.
The defense should be much better after a disappointing 2014 season. They added depth at linebacker with A.J. Hawk and defensive end Michael Johnson returns after a season in Tampa Bay. The Bengals certainly missed him, ranking dead last in sacks last season. Other than those two, Cincy made sure to wrap up its current players, including Rey Maualuga and Devon Still.
The Bengals are perhaps the most talented team in the AFC. The problem is they’ve never taken the next step. They have a roster that stacks up against anyone in the NFL, but if they miss the playoffs or have yet another early exit, there will be an uproar in Cincinnati. If that’s the case, look for Lewis or Dalton or even both to be gone.
KEY ADDITIONS: DE Michael Johnson, LB A.J. Hawk, DT Pat Sims, WR Denarius Moore.
KEY LOSSES: OT Marshall Newhouse, CB Terence Newman, DE Robert Geathers, S Taylor Mays, TE Jermaine Gresham.
The Bengals finally get over the hump this season and win a playoff game too! An improved defense, more talent surrounding Andy Dalton and the best run game in the AFC leads them to the AFC North title.
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