Broncos vs Bengals Odds - Banged-up Broncos bad enough to make Bengals look good

The Broncos vs Bengals odds are magical; they could represent the only time all season that Denver and Cincinnati play meaningful football. NFL betting fans shouldn’t expect a ton of defense. Can the Bengals’ passing game and home field advantage spoil Josh McDaniels’ head-coaching debut?

Broncos vs Bengals Odds: Bengals -3.5

• WHAT: NFL betting
  
• WHEN: Sunday, September 13, 1:00 p.m. ET
  
• WHERE: Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH
  
• KEY STAT: Bengals won last meeting in Cincinnati
  
• PICK: Bengals -3.5

Broncos vs Bengals odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
Both teams have low expectations for 2009 but should relish the chance to face a weaker team and open the season with a win. McDaniels wants to quiet his detractors but must do so with a depleted offense; the Bengals want to show the league that their once-potent attack is back.

Broncos vs Bengals odds maker breakdown: Offense
Home-field advantage or not, the Bengals should field the superior offensive team in Saturday’s betting matchup. They’ve been careful with pivot Carson Palmer, who is listed as day-to-day but should start the opener. He has a capable stable of targets; Chad Ochocinco looked like his old self in the preseason, Laveranues Coles is as surehanded as they come and rangy Chris Henry is a dangerous redzone threat when he’s not on legal trouble.

The Broncos have playmakers too – most experts feel Eddie Royal is the next Wes Welker – but many of their top threats may not play, including Brandon Marshall, Knowshon Moreno and possibly Kyle Orton. More on them later.

Betting Edge: Bengals

Broncos vs Bengals odds maker breakdown: Defense
Neither team will have opposing offenses shaking in their boots any time soon, but the Bengals are better defensively than they get credit for. They’re a bend-but-don’t break unit, not forcing many turnovers, but they ranked around the middle of the pack in yards allowed last season. The D-Line did a decent job pressuring quarterbacks in the preseason – especially Tom Brady and the Patriots’ first-team offense. They shouldn’t have too much trouble hurrying whoever starts for Denver.

Betting Edge: Bengals

Broncos vs Bengals odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Bengal kicker Shayne Graham battled a groin injury during the preseason and may not kick with full confidence; the Broncos have a capable kicker in Matt Prater and Eddie Royal is an excellent return man. They have the sportsbook edge here.

Betting Edge: Broncos

Broncos vs Bengals odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Sorry, Denver – we can’t skip this category. Brandon Marshall is suspended indefinitely; Knowshon Moreno is battling an MCL sprain and won’t be at full speed if he plays; Kyle Orton injured a finger on his throwing hand in the third preseason game and could be ineffective if he plays. The Bengals’ maladies can’t hold a candle to that list.

Betting Edge: Bengals

Broncos vs Bengals betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Everything about the Broncos screams “2009 train wreck” and it could start in Week 1 with a disappointing loss in a winnable game. The Bengals are much healthier, their O-line could be improved (maybe first-rounder Andre Smith will play), their defense is better and they’re at home. It sounds strange to say it, but the Bengals are close to a slam-dunk. Enjoy it while it lasts.

STAN’S PICK: Bengals -3.5

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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? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.