2008 Team Preview: Cincinnati Bengals – AFC North

2007 Record: 7-9
Key Losses: Justin Smith (DE), Landon Johnson (LB), Madieu Williams (S)
Key Additions: Ben Utecht (TE), Atwan Odom (DE)

Injuries last season led to a disappointing season for the Bengals.  That and a defense that couldn’t stop anybody.  Cinncy is relying rather heavily on draft choices to quickly rebuild the defense – a formula that can work but often takes more than a season to really pay dividends.  The Bengals are also dealing with off field issues around Chad Johnson and his mouth – again (or is it still?).

The Bengals offense has the ability to get this team to the playoffs but the defense will be the key to allowing this to happen.  I’m just not sure there will be enough improvement.  There are some tough games on the schedule so it won’t be easy for the Bengals to bounce back this season.

Each week I make my picks I’ll absolutely be looking at the over/under number in handicapping the Bengals and keeping in mind that if the defense doesn’t get better the back door will always be open and covering bigger numbers will be a challenge.

Predicted 2008-09 Record: 8-8
It should be noted that I can see this team anywhere from 6-10 to 10-6 and in the playoff hunt.