Could the Bengals finish the job this season?
Tune in to the “Ultimate Betting Show” on NESN on Monday at 5:30 p.m. ET for daily NFL training camp previews. Next up: the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals’ magical, unexpected run ended just short with a Super Bowl loss to the Los Angeles Rams last season. Now, they enter a new year something the organization hasn’t had in decades: expectations.
Quarterback Joe Burrow looked worthy of the hype that came with being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and is primed for an even stronger showing entering his third season. The young signal-caller has plenty of weapons and a revamped offensive line, which he desperately needed.
While they’ll have to earn a Super Bowl bid all over again, they’ll be in an even better position to do so than a year ago.
Here’s what bettors need to know about the 2022 Bengals:
2021 In Review
10-7, first in AFC North
10-7 against the spread
8-9 over/under
Key offseason additions
OT La’el Collins
C/G Ted Karras
G Alex Cappa
Key offseason losses
DT Larry Ogunjobi
TE C.J. Uzomah
Look ahead to 2022
Super Bowl: +2200
Conference: +1100
Division: +210
Win total: 10 (over +105)
To make playoffs: Yes, -130
2022 award contenders
MVP: Joe Burrow +1200
Coach of the Year: Zac Taylor +2000
Offensive Player of the Year: Joe Burrow +2500, Ja’Marr Chase +3000
Defensive Player of the Year: Trey Hendrickson +4000
2022 outlook
Despite the Bengals appearing in Super Bowl LVI and seemingly improving on paper, oddsmakers are not super confident they can run it back, with three of the last six Super Bowl losers missing the playoffs the following season. Cincinnati is tied for the 10th-best odds to take home a championship, alongside the Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts. The doubt creeping in for Vegas presents enticing odds for a team just four points shy of being the reigning champs. A $100 bet on Burrow and company would payout $2300.
The best bet on the board might be Ja’Marr Chase for NFL Offensive Player of the Year at +3,000. The budding star caught 81 passes for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns as a rookie. His potential is limitless in his second season.