Bengals Have What It Takes to Win Super Bowl
The Cincinnati Bengals have never won a Super Bowl. That could change in the 2023 NFL season.
This article originally appeared in the weekly Stadium Talk newsletter with Betting Predators, a sports betting media platform. You can subscribe to our newsletter and get it delivered straight to your inbox. You can also subscribe to BetText, our premium sports betting product, and get sports picks sent to you via text message.
Welcome to the Jungle
The Bengals had a big offseason. They added depth at key positions and strengthened their offensive line, signing left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. from the Kansas City Chiefs to protect Joe Burrow's blind side.
Burrow was sacked 92 times over the last two seasons (41 in 2022, 51 in 2021) and still almost led the Bengals to the promised land. Give Burrow more time and fewer hits, and Cincinnati could hit paydirt.
Super Bowl 2024 Odds
All odds are subject to change.
Chief Beef
The rivalry between the Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs has been kicked up a notch.
First, there was trash-talking on both sides. After Burrow said Pat Mahomes is the No. 1 quarterback in the NFL, Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase said Burrow is the top dog.
Of course, Mahomes and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce disagree.
Talking Schemes
Orlando Brown Jr. then got Chiefs fans mad when comparing the difference between blocking for Mahomes and Burrow.
"Now, as opposed to having to play in a lot more space with guys on my edge, guys have got to rush through me because Joe isn’t necessarily at 12-1/2 or 13 yards on certain drops," Brown said during some recent media interviews. "He’s going to be at 7-1/2 getting the ball out."
Brown was not taking a shot at his former quarterback. Just making an observation about schemes. And he wasn't wrong.
QB1 vs. QB1A
For now, Mahomes has the head-to-head stat edge and hardware (two Super Bowl rings, two NFL MVPs). Burrow could catch up. Winners always do.
NFL MVP 2023-24
Patrick Mahomes +700
Joe Burrow +750
Josh Allen +800
Jalen Hurts +1100
Justin Herbert +1300
Trevor Lawrence +1400
Lamar Jackson +1500
Aaron Rodgers +1600
Eye of the Tiger
There isn't a stat for grit or resiliency, but if there was, the Bengal would lead the league after ending their last two seasons with 23-20 losses — against the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl to conclude the 2021 season and against the Chiefs in the AFC championship game to end the 2022 season.
The Bengals and Chiefs renew their rivalry on the field this season in Week 17. A lot of football has to be played before then, but add up every tangible and intangible, and something tells us this could be Cincy's year. And they could be the last team standing after Super Bowl LVIII.
Cincinnati Bengals Betting Insights: Let Us Prey
- Cincinnati had a 12-2-1 record against the spread in 2022.
Last season, six Bengals games went over the point total.
Cincinnati ranked eighth in the NFL in total offense with 360.5 yards per game in 2022 and 16th in total defense (335.7 yards allowed per contest).
The Bengals were 6-1 at home and 6-3 away.
When underdogs, Cincinnati had one victory (1-1) versus its 11-2 record when favored.
The Bengals were 8-3 in the AFC, including 3-3 in the AFC North.
Source: WSAZ
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