Meaningful football is on its way back and its time to get set for the action. But before the new season kicks off, let’s take a look back at what teams have been up to in the offseason. Read on for everything you need to know about the Cincinnati Bengals and for more AFC North previews check out our Baltimore Ravens preview.
Ever since Andy Dalton joined the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011, the franchise has established itself as a perennial playoff contender. With a few key additions from the 2014 NFL Draft, the Bengals are looking forward to getting over the hump and challenge for the Vince Lombardi trophy this season.
Get over the hump yourself and create a betting account now to cash in on what will be another thrilling NFL season.
[sc:”Football Articles” ]Cincinnati Bengals Team Preview for the 2014/2015 NFL Season
Overview
2013 Regular Season Record: – 11-5 SU/10-5-1 ATS
After the Cincinnati Bengals dominated the AFC North and posted an 11-5 record, it seemed like the Bengals were right on course for a deep run in the playoffs. With home field advantage in the Wild Card playoff game against the San Diego Chargers and the Bengals undefeated at home, the whole of Cincinnati was ready for a first playoff win since 1990. Unfortunately, the Chargers had other ideas and stunned the Bengals 27-10, sending them to their third-straight Wild Card playoff defeat.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Despite Andy Dalton posting career-high numbers (4,293 passing yards, 61.9% completion rate, passer rating of 88.8), it was once again his subpar performance in the playoffs that was the talking point of the Bengals’ season in 2013.
With the core of their line up still in tact, this Bengals group which has improved every season since Dalton was given the quarterbacking duties in 2011, is expected to challenge once again in the AFC North where they are favored at +170 to win the division. The Bengals are also the best bet in the AFC North to take home the AFC championship crown at +1,200.
The Bengals will continue to pin their hopes on the dynamic duo of Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green. Entering their fourth year in the league, they have broken NFL records in their past three seasons. A.J. Green established the record for the most caught passes by any player in his first three seasons with 260, while Dalton matched Peyton Manning and Dan Marino as quarterbacks who threw 20 touchdown passes in each of their first three seasons.
Their continued improvement makes the Bengals a valuable sleeper pick to win the 2015 Super Bowl where they are currently priced at +2,200 to win it all.
Offseason Highlights
The Bengals had two key acquisitions in the 2014 NFL Draft that will fortify their lineup even more. They drafted cornerback Darqueze Dennard in the first round, while adding possible opening day starter, running back Jeremy Hill, in the second round.
Hill has already been working ahead of starting running back Benjarvus Green-Ellis at the team’s organized activities and will likely share running back duties with Giovani Bernard. His powerful runs will perfectly complement the speed of Bernard and with new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson believing in the running attack, Hill is expected to make an immediate impact.
Among the departures were defensive end Michael Johnson who is now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and left tackle Anthony Collins who was replaced by Andy Dalton’s old sidekick at TCU, Marshall Newhouse.
Key Betting Matchups of 2014 NFL Season
The Bengals have improved every season with Andy Dalton as the starting quarterback. Last year, they hit 11 wins for the first time since 2005. With an almost intact lineup, they should challenge their win totals line at over/under 9 this season especially with them having the eighth-easiest schedule this year.
December 7 – vs. Pittsburgh
The Bengals went undefeated at home last regular season, but whenever the Pittsburgh Steelers come to Paul Brown Stadium, they find it difficult to shake off the six-time champions. Cincinnati is 2-3 ATS against Pittsburgh in their last five encounters in Cincinnati. This late season contest will surely be an important matchup in terms of AFC North positioning.
December 22 – vs. Denver
In this Monday night showdown, the Bengals welcome the reigning AFC champs, the Denver Broncos, in what should be a high-scoring affair. The Broncos had one of the best offensive performances by a team in NFL history last season, averaging 454.8 yards and 36.4 points per game.
Writer’s Prediction
The Bengals will go 10-6 and qualify for the playoffs but will once again crumble in the postseason.
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