Bengals Season Odds
With quarterback Carson Palmer missing most of the season due to injury, the Cincinnati Bengals suffered a horrific fate in 2008.
But with Palmer back under center, the Bengals feel as though they can bounce back strong in 2009.
The Bengals had a quiet offseason outside of franchising kicker Shayne Graham and signing free agents Roy Williams (Cowboys) and Laveranues Coles (Jets). Coles replaces the highly productive T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who signed with the Seattle Seahawks.
Cincy was ecstatic about its draft after landing Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith in the first round and USC linebacker Rey Maualuga in the second. Smith is a bit of a head case, but his talent is unquestioned and if he’s focused, he could be a cornerstone at left tackle for the Bengals for years to come.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.COM have made the Bengals massive 75/1 long shots to win Super Bowl XLIV. They also gave the Bengals 25/1 odds to win the AFC and 8.5/1 odds to win the AFC North Division.
If you like long shots, the Bengals could be your team. The return of Palmer is unquestionably huge, but he must stay healthy for Cincinnati to have any shot next year and it would be nice if Chad Ochocinco bounced back from a poor ’08 season. The defense is definitely a question mark, but the Bengals aren’t devoid of talent on that side of the ball. Maualuga, Keith Rivers, Jonathan Joseph, Leon Hall and Domata Peko are just some of the young talent that the Bengals boast on defense, but the unit must come together as a whole in order for this team to succeed.
Odds to win Super Bowl XLIV
Cincinnati Bengals 75/1
Odds to win the AFC 2009-2010
Cincinnati Bengals 25/1
Odds to win the AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals 8.5/1
Posted: 6/11/09 8:01PM ET