The Bengals were 4-12 last year and they have done next to nothing to improve the roster for 2011.  Marvin Lewis is likely a lame duck coach who will be using a rookie 2nd round pick (Andy Dalton) as his starting QB in 2011.  That is a recipe for disaster.  The Bengals only have five games on the schedule against teams that had winning records in 2010.  Even with the lousy schedule, I would still bet the under on the Bengals in 2011 as I have a very hard time seeing them winning more than 3 games this year.

I think the oddsmakers aren’t giving the Bengals enough respect for going 10-6 last season.  I think it’s because of the thud the season ended with when the Bengals bowed out at home against the Jets in the playoffs.  But, the Bengals have really improved on offense over the off-season to go along with their solid defense.  I think the Bengals will win at least 10 games once again in 2010 so I would bet the over with confidence.  The Bengals also aren’t getting much respect in the Super Bowl futures market as they are 28-1 to win the big game.  That is where I put my money when my brother flew out to Vegas last week.

The Bengals have a tough schedule this season and they didn’t fix the defense enough to win half of their games in 2008.  I actually think that the Bengals will likely win 7 games this season so I can’t recommend with confidence to take the under even though that’s the way I’m leaning.