How many games will the Cincinnati Bengals win in the 2020 NFL season? We look at BetMGM‘s projected win total and the Over/Under odds, while looking back at the 2019 season and key offseason roster changes.
Cincinnati Bengals’ 2019 season
- Record: 2-14
- Against the Spread (ATS): 6-10-0
- Over/Under: 7-9
(Information from Covers.com.)
It wasn’t fun. Franchise wideout A.J. Green missed the entire season with ankle troubles. The Bengals ranked 30th in scoring (17.4 points per game), committed the sixth-most turnovers (30) and allowed fourth-highest total yards per game (393.7).
The positives: Their betting cache was much better than their game results. RB Joe Mixon flashed elite stretches, revealing his future as a franchise back (assuming he doesn’t hold out this preseason), and WR Tyler Boyd broke out.
Cincinnati Bengals’ 2020 offseason changes
Cincy staked its claim for the future with the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by picking QB Joe Burrow, who had arguably one of college football’s greatest seasons while leading LSU to the national championship.
Burrow offers the Bengals a talented leader who can make plays with his arm and feet; he could thrive in head coach Zac Taylor’s offensive scheme.
Along with Burrow, Cincinnati picked Clemson wideout Tee Higgins, who’ll likely succeed Green starting next season. Also containing Boyd, John Ross, and Auden Tate, this wideout group could take a major step forward in 2021.
Simple changes include welcoming back two major pieces: Green, who returns from the sidelines in likely his final season as a Bengal; and left tackle Jonah Williams, who missed his entire rookie season with a shoulder injury. The No. 11 overall pick in the 2019 draft out of Alabama should help stabilize the offensive line by protecting Burrow’s blindside. The arrival of guard Xavier Su’a-Filo also helps the middle of the O-line.
Though defensive-line standbys Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap remain in tow, Cincinnati defensive losses include nose tackle Josh Tupou, who has opted out for the season, and cornerbacks Dre Kirkpatrick and Darqueze Dennard, who were replaced by Minnesota Vikings castoffs Trae Waynes and Mackenzie Alexander. Meh.
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Cincinnati Bengals’ 2020 schedule
Week 1: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Week 2: at Cleveland Browns
Week 3: at Philadelphia Eagles
Week 4: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 5: at Baltimore Ravens
Week 6: at Indianapolis Colts
Week 7: vs. Cleveland Browns
Week 8: vs. Tennessee Titans
Week 9: BYE
Week 10: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 11: at Washington Football Team
Week 12: vs. New York Giants
Week 13: at Miami Dolphins
Week 14: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Week 15: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 16: at Houston Texans
Week 17: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals 2020 win total: Best bet
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds current as of Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 8 a.m. ET.
Projected wins: 5.5 … OVER: -139 / UNDER: +115
Even with the NFL’s expanded playoff format, only two teams, max, may come out of the division among the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and the potentially rising Cleveland Browns. Maybe the Bengals steal one from the Steelers or Browns, but I’m not seeing two divisional victories.
However, the Bengals could steal two W’s in the first two weeks; the Chargers and Jaguars look to be in play. However, the next five games (wrapped around their Week 9 bye) look bleak.
The pendulum swings again immediately after their Week 10 draw at Pittsburgh; the Who Deys could snag at least two victories among a stretch that includes Washington, the Giants and the Dolphins.
Let’s pencil in a win against the Jaguars and Washington. The Giants and Dolphins are also in range. The Chargers, who have a talented defense, may be a reach for Burrow’s first NFL game following this COVID-19 preseason.
The Bengals are moving in a solid direction for a rebuild, but don’t overestimate those results for 2020. I’ll give them four wins, including a generous two of the aforementioned borderline opportunities.
That means I’d BET The Under 5.5 (+115), which would profit $11.50 on a $10 bet.
Exact Season Wins: Bands
- 0-4 wins: +250
- 5-8 wins: -278
- 9-12 wins: +1000
- 13-16 wins: +10000
As high as I want to be on Cincinnati’s future, the 5-8 bracket for 2020 is a trap that offers little profit.
I’d rather BET 0-4 (+250) by assuming that they still could lose the borderline clashes with the Chargers, Giants and Dolphins, who have more polish on defense. Cincinnati still needs help on that side, which will still leak often against those three promising-to-great offenses and other more accomplished clubs on the schedule.
Exact Wins: Best Bet
I’ll BET 4 wins (+400).
I also like the Team to lose all 6 division games (+350).
Consider First Regular-Season Win for the Chargers (+150) or Jaguars (+240), preferably Jacksonville.
See the full breakdown of all Bengals bets.
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