Bengals vs Saints Odds - Bengals start season off on positive note
NFL betting players are itching for the season to start as much as the football players themselves, and there should be a good matchup on tap when Cincinnati heads to New Orleans on Friday. The Bengals are underdogs due to being on the road, but they’ll be aiming to make a statement in this game.
Bengals vs Saints Odds: Saints -3
- WHAT: NFL preseason betting action
- WHEN: Friday, August 14
- WHERE: Superdome, New Orleans, LA
- KEY STAT: Cincinnati has gone 2-2 in New Orleans since 1981
- PICK: Cincinnati
Bengals vs Saints Odds breakdown: Offense
We’ll see Carson Palmer on the field for the first time since Week 5 last year, but we’ll see more out of J.T. O’Sullivan, who was brought in to replace Ryan Fitzpatrick as the backup. The Bengals will also be looking at a replacement for tight end Reggie Kelly, who is out for the year with an Achilles injury. Mark Brunell and Joey Harrington will battle for the No.2 spot behind Drew Brees, and that’s not a lot to look forward to if you’re betting online with New Orleans. Reggie Bush, Jeremy Shockey and Marques Colston may not see the field at all, given their injury-filled 2008 campaign.
Betting Edge: Cincinnati
Bengals vs Saints Odds breakdown: Defense
The Bengals were a surprisingly good defense last year, and we’ll get to see second-round draft pick Rey Maualuga, who has the potential to be a great pro linebacker. The Bengals are a bit short on corners, and it’s a good thing that the Saints won’t have Brees in there for long or it could get ugly. New Orleans was atrocious on defense in 2008, but the talent is there for an improvement. Still, they’re not there yet, which kills their sportsbook chances.
Betting Edge: Cincinnati
Bengals vs Saints Odds breakdown: Special Teams
Shayne Graham may be one of the best kickers in the league, so whoever gets to be his backup won’t be in for much time unless he’s injured. Antonio Chatman is penciled in as the return man. For the Saints, Garrett Hartley isn’t a household name, but he’s good enough. Bush may be eased out of his return duties due to his injured past, but he’s easily the most explosive player in New Orleans. Just give him one return, will you, Sean Payton?
Betting Edge: New Orleans
Bengals vs Saints Odds breakdown: Notable Injuries
None.
Betting Edge: Draw
Bengals vs Saints Odds breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Bengals have been tipped as one of the breakout teams of the year, but it always seems that way. Still, there seems to be a different feeling in their camp, and as long as Chad Ochocinco can avoid being a distraction, the Bengals could turn some heads. New Orleans’ main mission on Friday night will be defense, defense, defense, because we know they can score buckets of points. Not a lot will come from this game, and it could be high-scoring, but look for the Bengals to shake up NFL sports betting a bit.
STAN’S PICK: Cincinnati
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?
