Best Bets for Bengals in 2023: Cash In on Hoisting Lombardi Trophy

Bengals Roar in Season Opener

Cincinnati is opening the 2023 season with an in-state rivalry against the Cleveland Browns. The Bengals are currently two-point favorites for the season opener. When you look at recent head-to-head matchups, it’s surprising the sportsbook is favoring Cincy.

Since 2018, the Browns are 8-2 against the Bengals. Some of Cleveland’s luck has been ridiculous. For example, how did Jacoby Brissett post a 133.7 passer rating against the Bengals last season? Brissett is a backup QB, nothing more.

Ultimately, I think Cleveland’s luck has finally run out. Cincy is head and shoulders above the Browns. The Bengals showed that in the most recent matchup with a comfortable 23-10 win. Cincinnati is in store for another big season. Back the Bengals in Week 1.

Pick: Cincinnati Bengals -2 (-110) vs Cleveland Browns in NFL Week 1

11 is the Magic Number

Cincy has enjoyed back-to-back double-digit win seasons, including 2022’s 12-4 finish. How will the Bengals fare in 2023?

NFL lines have Cincinnati’s projected win total at 11½. The sportsbook is also offering odds for exact win totals, providing more enticing odds. For example, 11 regular-season wins are priced at +500. This is the sweet spot.

The AFC North is loaded. The Baltimore Ravens are healthy, and the Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers should be improved. For argument’s sake, let’s say the Bengals go 3-3 or 4-2 in divisional play.

Cincy is also slated to face the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs. This is no cakewalk. Cincinnati has a treacherous road ahead.

I am a huge believer in the Bengals for 2023, but I won’t be too biased. My pockets would also suffer if the rose-colored glasses stay put. The secondary has some questions as it replaces both starting safety spots. Cincinnati’s pass defense will draw several daunting matchups, like Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson and the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes.

Pick: Cincinnati Bengals 11 regular-season wins (+500)

Cincy Adds Super Bowl Stripe

This is where it gets bold. Buckle your seat belt. One of my favorite AFC North picks is the Ravens winning the division. A revamped receiving corps with Todd Monken calling the plays should be a lethal combination.

The AFC North was established in 2002. Since then, no team has won three consecutive divisional crowns. Remember, the Bengals have won back-to-back AFC North titles.

So if Cincinnati fails to three-peat, could it go far from a wild-card spot? Why not? Burrow has earned the name “Joe Cool” for a reason. Since 2021, the Bengals are also 3-1 in road playoff games.

January 22, 2023 vs. Bills

The AFC Divisional snow game was one for the books. Let’s look back at our time in Buffalo ❄️ pic.twitter.com/K7Z0ZLDjEA

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) July 18, 2023

The defense should remain solid with an exceptional front seven. Don’t sleep on the addition of left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. If Burrow gets good pass protection, look out. That’s exactly what I think will happen.

The Lombardi Trophy will finally head to the Queen City. The +1000 odds only sweeten the pot. We have to find the storybook ending too. What if Cincy beat the 49ers in Super Bowl 58? The Bengals would avenge losses in Super Bowl 16 and Super Bowl 23.

Vegas NFL odds have a 49ers-Bengals Super Bowl 58 matchup priced at +2800.

Pick: Bengals win Super Bowl 58 (+1000)