Dee Friedman
Perhaps more impressive than their 11-5 record and division title last season, the Bengals went 10-5-1 against the spread including an 8-0 mark at home. Ten times Cincinnati’s games went over with six of the 10 taking place at home. The Bengals fell to San Diego in the first round of the playoffs continuing a bad trend in the postseason. Cincinnati has not won a playoff game since 1990 and they’ve lost a first round game in three straight seasons.
Perhaps more impressive than their 11-5 record and division title last season, the Bengals went 10-5-1 against the spread including an 8-0 mark at home. Ten times Cincinnati’s games went over with six of the 10 taking place at home. The Bengals fell to San Diego in the first round of the playoffs continuing a bad trend in the postseason. Cincinnati has not won a playoff game since 1990 and they’ve lost a first round game in three straight seasons.
The Bengals play the 23rd most difficult slate in the league this year and the toughest schedule in the division. Because they won the AFC North last year they get New England, Indianapolis, and Denver this season with the first two on the road. Down the stretch they play five of their final seven games on the road with the two home games against perennial contenders Pittsburgh and Denver. A 2-1 start or better is nearly essential with games against New England, Carolina, Indianapolis and Baltimore following a week four bye.
Cincinnati was very calm during the off-season refusing to overpay to re-sign free agents. Anthony Collins, Brandon Ghee, Andrew Hawkins and Michael Johnson all left. Perhaps not household names, drafting Darqueze Denard should significantly help the Bengals secondary right away, and Jeremy Hill will step in for BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The Bengals will need production from Margus Hunt, Will Clarke, or Robert Geathers, all of whom have question marks, on the offensive front.
The Bengals have been a staple in the playoffs and have a roster to get back in the postseason. The fan base will not be ok with losing in their first postseason game again. They’re 35-1 to win the Super Bowl and 13-1 to capture the AFC. Of every team in the league, the Bengals, who have cap space and may be a move away from joining the elite teams are likely to be active all the way until the trading deadline.
