Cincinnati Bengals NFL Picks & Predictions 2008

August 12, 2008

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- Brad Marchetti

The 2008 Cincinnati Bengals dropped to 7-9 last season and could be headed further south with a talented team of underachievers. Marvin Lewis has yet to prove that he has a grip on the Chad Johnson situation with a team that has always had character issues. The paper thin defense did upgrade in the off-season with the addition of #1 pick OLB Keith Rivers, #3 pick DT Pat Sims and DE Antwan Odom who had 8 sacks in 07″. The offense led by cannon armed QB Carson Palmer still has the weapons but will the Bengals have the heart to use it? The 2008 Cincinnati Bengals NFL betting odds to win the AFC North division are at +450 odds.

Carson Palmer leads a balanced offense that is expecting a return to form from struggling RB Rudi Johnson to make Cincy a top-5 unit once again. Palmer throwing the ball is the focal point but the running game will be counted on to keep time of possession in control. WR T.J Houshmandzadeh emerged as an elite NFL player last year with a franchise record 112 receptions and is an impact player. All-Pro wideout Chad Johnson and rookie WR Andre Caldwell possess 4.35 speed that can stretch defenses with Palmer’s deep ball. Newly added TE Ben Utecht from the Colts should help a red-zone offense that ranked 23rd in the NFL last year. Former All-Pro RB Rudi Johnson is 100% healthy now and is in terrific shape entering the preseason. Johnson had a poor 07″ season averaging 2.9 yards per carry and his backups Kenny Watson and Kenny Irons could see some playing time. The run-blocking in Cincy is stout, but the lack of a consistent O-line lineup is a problem. Left tackle Levi Jones has given up only 6 sacks in the last three years and is key in keeping Carson Palmer’s blindside safe. Carson Palmer’s backup is inexperienced Ryan Fitzpatrick who has three career starts. 2008 Cincinnati Bengals to win the 2009 Superbowl are at 60-1 odds.

The Cincinnati Bengals 4-3 defense that ranked 27th in the NFL will have three new starters and a new defensive scheme that is considering an ill-advised 3-4. The Bengals defense was poor against the run last year as they allowed 10-100 yard rushing games. DE Robert Geathers had a disappointing 3.5 sacks after a 10.5 sack 06″. DE Antwan Odom is not very good against the run but both players have ability to disrupt. 3rd round draft pick DT Pat Sims (6′2″ 320 Lbs.) has size and athleticism and could replace the ordinary starting DT John Thorton. Sure tackling #9 overall pick OLB Keith Rivers should boost a weak linebacking unit with his 4.55 speed and pass coverage skills. The Bengals have decent depth at the LB position but lack any proven playmakers. The Bengals hope OLB Odell Thurman can regain his All-Pro ability following his reinstatement from a 2-year suspension. The Bengals have a young top-10 cornerback tandem in Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph. 2nd year safeties Marvin White and Chinedum Ndukwe also showed some skills late last season but the depth is thin overall in the secondary. The special teams should finish in the bottom third in the NFL in coverage in 08″. The return game could get a boost with Andre Caldwell and kicker Shayne Graham is a valuable weapon.

The 2008 Cincinnati Bengals NFL predictions call for Cincy to have a .500 finish behind a skilled offense. This young team has some firepower but they will find ways to lose ball games however and the defense still needs some work for the Bengals to contend again. 2008 Cincinnati Bengals OVER\UNDER is at 7 WINS with the OVER at -130.

2007 Cincinnati Bengals NFL Betting Record: 7-9 ATS

2008 Cincinnati Bengals NFL Predictions Power Ratings

Coaching: 6
Quarterback: 8
Running Backs: 6
Offensive Line: 7
Wideouts: 9
Defensive Line: 6
Linebackers: 5
Secondary: 6
Special Teams: 7

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