The 2024 NFL season has not gone the way the Cincinnati Bengals had hoped coming into it. With a superstar QB in Joe Burrow, star receiving corps with Jamarr Chase and Tee Higgins, and a retooled defense that had the ability to improve dramatically from 2023, they had big aspirations to make another run at a Super Bowl.
However, that simply has not happened to this point, as the Bengals are sitting at just 4-6 through their first ten games of the year. As a result of their overall poor play, BetMGM has moved their odds to make the playoffs in a direction that is not favorable for them. It could be for us, though.
Cincinnati was -105 last week to make the playoffs, but they have moved to +125 now to do so, giving you some very good odds if you think they can turn their season around and make a run at it.
I am not afraid to say that I bet the Bengals before the season to win the Super Bowl, as that is well documented on this website. I loved what they did this offseason, and I believed that their defense would make serious improvements. I never questioned the offense with Burrow and company, although many did with his injury history. So far, I was right about the offense, but wrong about the defense.
Burrow owns a 74.3 QBR, which is good for third best in the entire league. He’s thrown for 2,672 yards and 24 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions. He’s been fantastic and should be in the MVP conversation, and would be if not for the amount of games they have lost due to the defense failing to be able to stop a cold.
Cincinnati’s defense has allowed over 30 points in two of their last three games, and has gotten torched through the air. They are 23rd in passing yards allowed per game, and it hasn’t been that much better on the ground, where they rank 17th. Perhaps what has really derailed them is their ability to stop opponents in the red zone, or lack thereof. They are nearly dead-last, ranking 31st in that area.
Taking a look at their upcoming schedule, they have several very winnable games coming up. First up, they have the Los Angeles Chargers, who will be a tough challenge. Still, the game is lined as a pick ‘em, so they have a good shot to win. Then they get Pittsburgh at home, which is scary considering how the Steelers have played recently, but they will have home field. They then get a stretch of very easy games, taking on the Cowboys, Titans and Browns. They finish off the year against the Broncos at home and Pittsburgh again on the road.
I won’t lie, I actually sprinkled them to win the Super Bowl for a bit more at 50/1 odds the other day. I think they have what it takes to make a run, but they need to have better defensive play if they want a chance. I expect them to beat the Chargers this weekend, and they have three wins on their schedule that shouldn’t be an issue. It will come down to if they can beat Denver and at least get a split with Pittsburgh. I think they can, so I would bet them to make the playoffs at this kind of value.
Related
