Are ‘High-Volatility’ Bengals A Good Bet To Make AFC Title Game?

National Football League

Are ‘High-Volatility’ Bengals A Good Bet To Make AFC Title Game?

Published Jul. 12, 2025, 11:28 a.m. ET

By Sam Panayotovich, FOX Sports Betting Analyst

The Cincinnati Bengals were quite the enigma in the NFL during the 2024 season phdream8 login. lucky99 ph Star quarterback Joe Burrow performed at an MVP level, leading the offense to score the fifth-most touchdowns in the league. However, a lackluster defense and a tough record in one-score games left the Bengals outside the postseason picture with a record of 9-8.

The season started off rocky for the Bengals with a home loss to the four-win New England Patriots in Week 1. They managed to lose seven of their first eight one-score games and suffered four losses despite scoring 30 points. That’s almost an impossible feat!

So, what’s next for Cincinnati? The team is bringing back its core on offense, with Burrow, wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, along with running back Chase Brown. Burrow and Chase have formed an incredibly potent QB to WR duo, which is a great starting point. Last year, Burrow threw for 4,918 yards, 49 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions, while Chase had a remarkable season, racking up 1,708 yards and 17 scores. Assuming they stay healthy, the offense should perform well.

If the Bengals miss the playoffs for a third consecutive season, the bulk of the blame will likely fall on the shoulders of the defense. The real hope lies in the hands of the new defensive coordinator, Al Golden, who is expected to address some of the issues that plagued the team last year. Golden was the mastermind behind a Notre Dame defense that reached the National Championship Game in the College Football Playoff.

Does Joe Burrow Owe the Bengals Another Playoff Run?

I have a more optimistic view regarding Cincinnati’s defense because I believe in the talent on the defensive line, and I’m hopeful for a contract resolution with standout pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, at least for the 2025 season. Furthermore, if rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart contributes, that would be a bonus.

“They’re such a high-volatility team,” a professional bettor remarked. “The quarterback and skill players give them a high ceiling. If they suffer a key injury or two on offense and the defense worsens, they could end up winning only five games.”

The major concern is their slow starts under head coach Zac Taylor. “How do you go 0-2 almost every year in the first two games? It’s alarming.” Despite this, he mentioned, “I still have them favored in 11 games.”

A quick fact check supports the Bengals’ struggles in the early season. Since Taylor took over in 2019, Cincinnati is just 1-11 in their first two games, with their only victory coming in 2021 against the Minnesota Vikings (27-24 in overtime). Here’s the breakdown:

1. 2019: 0-2
2. 2020: 0-2
3. 2021: 1-1
4. 2022: 0-2
5. 2023: 0-2
6. 2024: 0-2

This year’s schedule kicks off with games against Cleveland and Jacksonville. Ultimately, I believe Cincinnati possesses too much offensive talent to overlook, and it’s likely that the defense shows improvement. It’s also improbable that the Bengals are as “unlucky” in one-score games this season jilivs.. how to order in tiktok live

I’m not suggesting they should be favored above the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, or Kansas City Chiefs, but it’s simply unreasonable to dismiss their potential to make the playoffs and go on a run like in 2021 with Burrow at the helm.

My top recommendations regarding Cincinnati would be to take them Over 9.5 wins and to place a small wager on them losing in the Championship Weekend. This is a 10-1 bet that could put you in an excellent position if chaos unfolds in the AFC bracket.

PICK: Bengals Over 9.5 wins (-140)

PICK: Bengals lose in AFC title game (+1000)

Sam Panayotovich is a sports betting analyst for FOX Sports and the BetMGM Network. jilipark legit He has previously worked with WGN Radio, NBC Sports, and VSiN. Follow him on Twitter @spshoot.

What are your thoughts on the Bengals’ chances this upcoming season?