NFL Futures Betting – Can Bengals Seize North Division?
Sportsbook odds – Cincinnati Bengal
- Can the Bengals compete for the AFC North now that they are healthy?
- Does Marvin Lewis have a defense to work with?
- Will the Bengals offense play to their potential?
Those monitoring NFL betting have had a keen eye on the Cincinnati Bengals. AFC North Division mates the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns have two of the toughest schedules in the NFL, which might open up the window of opportunity.
Injuries decimated their offensive line and running game last year but the Bengals look healthy now.
The offensive line is a very stout unit when healthy to the point perennial Pro Bowl tackle Willie Anderson is now a backup.
Last year, first string running back Rudi Johnson was hampered by hamstring injuries, second string runner Chris Perry missed most of the season and third string runner Kenny Irons missed the entire year.
Johnson and Perry are healthy and with fill-in Kenny Watson, the Bengals will be able to run the ball consistently and keep pressure off of Carson Palmer. Palmer has the deepest receiving corps in the NFL to throw to – including the return of Chris Henry – which means there's enough prospects on offense to entice NFL futures bettors.
On defense, the Bengals have had a bit of turnover but have fielded the most talented unit in the Marvin Lewis era.
The defensive line finally has a decent rotation at tackle with Domata Peko, John Thornton and Pat Sims. That's important when you consider how much the Bengals have been gashed on the ground.
With better tackles up front, expect the young talent at linebacker like first-round pick Keith Rivers to start making some plays all around the field.
The Bengals secondary is decent with former first-round picks Leon Hall and Johnathan Jospeph manning the two corner spots with veteran Deltha O'Neal backing up.
The key will be for coach Lewis to finally get this defense up to par. As you recall, Lewis used to be a stellar defensive coordinator but aside from one good season, his savvy has yet to rub off on the defense.
One attractive reason that NFL futures players are betting the Bengals to win the AFC North is the schedule. The Steelers have an uphill climb to nine games while the Browns would need a minor miracle to get there as well. The Bengals schedule is a little bit lighter even though they still face the NFC East and AFC South. If everything comes together, they could be the team that finishes atop the division.
Stan Simmons' Pick: Over 7
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Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions?
