The 2008 NFL Season is quickly approaching, with Week 1 action kicking off Thursday, September 4. Oddsmakers feel that the Cincinnati Bengals are a long shot to win the 2009 Super Bowl and listed their odds to win at 40/1.
The Bengals franchised tagged offensive tackle Stacy Andrews and re-signed linebacker Dhani Jones this offseason. They also added defensive end Antwan Odom (Titans) and tight end Ben Utecht (Colts). Cincinnati decided to address its linebacker needs in the draft, selecting USC linebacker Keith Rivers with the ninth overall pick in the first round.
The biggest buzz around the Bengals these days is what will happen with wide receiver Chad Johnson, who openly complained for most of the offseason about how he’s under appreciated in Cincinnati. There was some talk that he could get traded around the draft, but the Bengals didn’t budge and it appears Ocho Cinco will be back in Cincinnati in 2008.
Cincinnati is considered a heavy long shot at all of the major bookmakers. Current prices on the Bengals’ chances to win the 2009 Super Bowl range from 40/1 at SBG Global and Bodog, to 60/1 at Sportsbook.com.
Oddsmakers have also set the Bengals’ over/under total for wins in 2008 at 7.5, but clearly think Cincinnati will lose more than 7.5 games considering the under pays out at –135 compared to +105 for the over.
The Bengals are certainly an intriguing team entering the 2008 NFL Season. They have one of the most explosive offenses in the league with quarterback Carson Palmer, running back Rudi Johnson and receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, but the defense didn’t play up to par last year. If the defense can overachieve like it did in 2005, the Bengals will once again be dangerous. This team is certainly built to win offensively and at 60-1 odds, the Bengals could be a huge value pick.
Cincinnati Bengals Odds to Win 2009 Super Bowl
SBG Global 40-1
Bodog 40-1
Sportsbook.com 60-1
Cincinnati Bengals 2008 Regular Season Win Totals Odds
Cincinnati Bengals Over 7.5 Wins (+105)
Cincinnati Bengals Under 7.5 Wins (-135)