A fresh season-long betting call has Cincinnati positioned to make a run at the AFC North.
Sports Illustrated betting analyst Ian McMillan recently laid out his best bet for all 32 teams, and his pick for the Bengals points toward a division title. McMillan has Cincinnati winning the AFC North at +194 on DraftKings Sportsbook, making the Bengals the second-betting favorite behind Lamar Jackson.
His case starts with Baltimore. “If the Baltimore Ravens don't bounce back after last year's disappointing season, then that leaves the AFC North wide open for the Cincinnati Bengals, with the Pittsburgh Steelers or Cleveland Browns likely both struggling to make any noise this season,” McMillan wrote.
“It's time for the Bengals to put up or shut up. Joe Burrow has to stay healthy, and Dexter Lawrence has to make an immediate impact on defense.
“If those things happen, the Bengals have a chance to return to the type of team that made the Super Bowl a few years ago. They're going to benefit from playing the third-easiest schedule in the NFL based on opponents' win totals, which is going to be a huge help when it comes to competing for the division title.”
Cincinnati’s path looks favorable on paper. The Bengals have won three straight AFC North titles by the Ravens or Steelers, and the franchise has used much of its financial flexibility to keep the offense intact while reshaping the defense. They also draw what amounts to a soft schedule by league standards this year.
ESPN’s NFL Football Power Index has Cincinnati facing the 32nd-ranked schedule in the league over the course of the season. Baltimore isn’t far behind at 28th, which makes a runaway finish in the division unlikely. Still, the route is there for the Bengals to seize control if they handle their business.
McMillan also sees downside for Baltimore beyond the division race. His best Ravens bet is to miss the playoffs at +305 on DraftKings.
“I know the 'Lamar Jackson's style doesn't age well' talking point is tiresome, and I know he was hurt at times last year, but he ranked just 14th amongst quarterbacks last season in adjusted EPA per play and 13th in completion percentage over expected,” McMillan wrote. “Are we sure he's going to bounce back with an offensive line that's far inferior to what it was last year, and a receiving core that still leaves a lot to be desired?
Then there's Derrick Henry at 32 years old, who will be even more affected by the loss of Tyler Linderbaum at center. Finally, Jesse Minter is a huge question mark as their new head coach, and I generally don't believe in defensive coordinators turned head coach.”
The Bengals will get two chances to chip away at Baltimore directly, with meetings set for Oct. 25 and New Year’s Eve.
In Other News...
Bengals First Look At Burrows New Offense Raised One Early Concern
The Bengals got their first preseason win out of the way with a 16-14 result, and the more meaningful part for Cincinnati was seeing most of the starters on the field for an opening look at Joe Burrows new offense. Burrow was sharp enough in limited work, and the defense, even with several key players missing, found a couple of moments to make its presence felt as the team continues building toward the regular season.
Joe Burrows first series under the new setup still offered an early reminder of how fragile that transition can be. Cincinnati got production from the defense as well, with a tipped pass turning into an interception for Jordan Battle and Kris Jenkins adding pressure up front, but the bigger checkpoint now is the joint practice with the Bears on Aug. 20, where the Bengals should learn a lot more about where the offense really stands. [Read more 🡒]
Bengals Just Saw A Preseason Concern Grow For Detroit
Detroits preseason game with Cincinnati brought the kind of injury scare every team tries to avoid in August. Running back and return man Jacob Saylors broke off a 27-yard run before leaving with a lower leg injury and struggling to put weight on it, a jarring turn for a player trying to carve out a role in the Lions backfield and return game. The same game also sent defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to the sideline earlier with an apparent arm injury, adding to the uneasy feeling around a roster still sorting itself out.
The broader picture in Detroit is already a little crowded on the injury front, with head coach Dan Campbell noting Cade Mays will be out a significant stretch because of a wrist issue, while Isiah Pacheco is working back from an MCL sprain and expected for Week 1. Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are also on the physically unable to perform list but are expected to be ready when the games count, so the Lions are still hoping this early turbulence stays limited to August. Still, any new hit to depth at this stage tends to make the rest of the preseason a little more precarious. [Read more 🡒]
Bengals Depth Battle Already Produced Some Early Standouts
The Bengals used their preseason opener against the Lions to get an early look at a roster that still has plenty of sorting to do, and the first impression was a good one. Cincinnati won 16-14 while giving only limited work to starters such as Joe Burrow, leaving much of the spotlight on the new defensive additions and the rest of the group fighting to carve out roles.
That is where the night got interesting for the Bengals. With Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen among the notable newcomers drawing attention, several players battling for roster spots made their case with disruptive defensive plays, turnovers and contributions from rookies and other young players. The result was more than just a preseason win, because it hinted that the depth chart is already starting to reveal a few early standouts. [Read more 🡒]