After back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances, there is an air of anticipation surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati has made an astonishing rise in recent years, largely thanks to the play of 2020 No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow.
However, the franchise remains in search of its first Super Bowl title. Will this be the season the Bengals get over the hump?
Let’s analyze the latest Bengals betting odds for the 2023 NFL season.
Bengals Futures Betting Odds
Note: These NFL betting odds are current as of Wednesday, June 7, and provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Win Super Bowl: +1100
- Win AFC Championship: +550
- Win AFC North: +140
- Make Playoffs: Yes (-285) / No (+240)
- Regular-Season Win Total: Over 11.5 (+110) / Under 11.5 (-130)
Bengals Super Bowl 58 Odds
Bengals: Win Super Bowl (+1100)
Just four teams sit above the Bengals (+1100) in the preseason Super Bowl odds, implying that Cincinnati is once again a contender to lift the Lombardi Trophy.
Given its impressive trajectory over the past few seasons, a second Super Bowl appearance in three years isn’t beyond imagination.
However, it’s also likely that the Bengals missed out on their best chance last season. Salary cap concerns have forced Cincy to move on from other valuable assets as they prepare for future big-money extensions to Burrow and top wideout Ja’Marr Chase.
While highly-regarded DC Lou Anarumo remains, his secondary will look very different after losing Jessie Bates III, Vonn Bell, and Tre Flowers in free agency.
A potentially worse defense will make navigating through a jam-packed AFC, which not only still features the Chiefs and Bills, but upstart teams like the Ravens, Jets, and Dolphins, even more difficult.
Bengals AFC Championship Odds
Bengals: Win AFC Championship (+550)
The Bengals (+550) have the third-best odds to win the AFC Championship behind the Chiefs (+330) and Bills (+500).
Based on playoff performance, there is an argument that Cincinnati is undervalued compared to Buffalo.
Burrow has repeatedly proven that he plays his best when the lights shine the brightest. And despite some offseason departures, this roster still has enough talent to compete for the conference title.
Bengals AFC North Winner Odds
Bengals: Win AFC North (+140)
As two-time defending division champions, it is no surprise that the Bengals (+140) are the favorite in the preseason AFC North odds.
Burrow and Chase have proven to be a dynamic duo in the NFL, much like they were at LSU, and their undeniable chemistry and ability to stretch the field will be vital to keep this offense among the league’s best.
Still, the AFC North is a highly competitive division, with teams like the Ravens, Steelers, and Browns always posing a tough challenge, especially on defense.
With a healthy Lamar Jackson, Baltimore could give Cincy a run for its money.
Bengals Make Playoffs Odds
Bengals: Make Playoffs (-285)
Zac Taylor’s squad has very favorable odds of making the NFL playoffs, but there isn’t much value in this number.
While it is likely that the Bengals will reach the postseason for the third year in a row, locking up your money until January on a bet that pays a dollar for every $2.85 wagered doesn’t seem like the wisest investment.
Bengals Regular-Season Win Total Odds
Bengals: Under 11.5 Wins (-130)
Cincinnati’s regular-season win total is set at 11.5 games, which feels about right after 10- and 12-win campaigns the last two years.
While I’m optimistic that the Bengals will make the playoffs and potentially make another deep run, I’m not sure another 12-win campaign is in the cards.
Cincy’s first-place schedule sees it visit Kansas City, San Francisco, and Jacksonville while also hosting Buffalo. Plus, the division should be more competitive this season, with the Ravens and Browns likely taking a step forward from 2022.
The Under is the smart play at a slightly juiced price.