In the words of our NFL expert Jason Logan, the Cincinnati Bengals are poised to reign over the AFC North this season. Despite a slow start last year, the Bengals still finished with a respectable 9-8 record. With star quarterback Joe Burrow back to full health and much of the core squad returning, the Bengals are looking like a formidable force in the league.
The Bengals had a brief spell of dominance last season, from Week 5 to Week 10, where they ranked in the Top 5 in various advanced metrics. This period saw them go 4-1 straight up and against the spread, claiming victories over tough opponents like Buffalo and San Francisco. Unfortunately, their hot streak came to an abrupt halt when Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury in Week 11. The team ended the year with a 4-4 record straight up and a 3-4-1 mark against the spread.
Despite the setback, oddsmakers have not forgotten the Bengals’ impressive run last season. Burrow and his crew are favored in 14 out of their 17 scheduled games, with a season win total set at 10.5 and sitting among the top contenders in future betting markets.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the Bengals seem to be in good shape, with Burrow making headlines for his unique hairstyle rather than injury concerns. As long as their star quarterback stays healthy, Cincinnati is a legitimate contender in the AFC.
The Bengals have a relatively favorable schedule compared to their division rivals, the Ravens. The opening four games present winnable matchups for Cincinnati before they face off against the Ravens in Week 5. Both teams will encounter tough opponents like Kansas City within that span, but the Bengals have the advantage of facing less formidable foes in New England, Washington, and Carolina.
In a summary of the team’s prospects, it’s clear that Joe Burrow’s health is crucial to the Bengals’ success. The offense, led by Burrow and supported by a talented receiving corps, has the potential to light up the scoreboard. However, the defensive unit led by coordinator Lou Anarumo will need to step up and improve on last season’s performance, which saw them struggle against big plays.
The upcoming season will test the Bengals against top-tier quarterbacks, but their schedule appears to favor their passing attack. Defensive matchups against the likes of Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Dak Prescott will challenge Cincinnati, but their ability to contain opposing offenses will be critical in covering spreads as favorites.
In closing, the Bengals have had a slow start to the season, reminiscent of a sedated sloth on a Sunday morning. Historically, their performance in the opening weeks has been lackluster compared to their later success. The team will need to overcome early-season hurdles and capitalize on winnable matchups to establish themselves as serious contenders in the AFC North.
