Cincinnati Bengals 2018-19 - NFL Season Preview & Future Odds Predictions

By: Admin |

Last Updated: 08/08/2019 at 5:44 AM ET

It appeared change was on the horizon as the Cincinnati Bengals started losing with great frequency during the 2017 season. However, following a disappointing 7-9 season, head coach Marvin Lewis returns for a 16th season and often criticized signal caller Andy Dalton will quarterback for his eight consecutive season.

A.J. Green, the Bengals All-Pro wide out will be Dalton’s top target again and middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict, returns, but will sit the first four games due to a suspension. Burfict leads the defense for a seventh consecutive season. What will make or break Cincinnati Bengals will be the production from new players and some of the younger players from a season ago.
The Bengals offense has been reworked from last season with the hope of putting more points on the board. Dalton has not put up the numbers he did during 2015 but remains the best that Cincinnati has on their roster. Last season in five losses the Bengals scored just one touchdown on offense and that must change this season, and it starts with Dalton.

Jeremy Hill is now with the Patriots so the Bengals running game will be in Joe Mixon’s hands, with Giovani Bernard their pass-play back.

Nearly the entire Bengals receiving corps returns led by Green. Brandon LaFell will be a solid second option and the Bengals hope John Ross lives up to first round pick status from 2017. Cincinnati is hoping Tyler Eifert will return to his tight end duties but the Pro Bowler must remain healthy.

The Bengals offensive line is the weakest part of the offense. Cincinnati's left side of line was helped with the acquisition of Cordy Glenn from Buffalo. Billy Price was drafted from Ohio State to play center and Bobby Hart and Jake Fisher will fight to start at the right tackle spot.

Cincinnati's new defensive coordinator was hired after Paul Guenther left to coach with the Raiders under Jon Gruden. Teryl Austin was hired from the Lions. Last season the Bengals defense was No. 18 in total defense and No. 16 in scoring defense and hope to approve on that.

Up front everything remains the same for Cincinnati with two Pro Bowl lineman in Carlos Dunlap at end and Geno Atkins at tackle. Sam Hubbard a third round pick will be part of the mix as Chris Smith is gone, while Andrew Brown a nose tackle taken in the fifth round could see plenty of action.

When Burfict plays the Bengals defense is much better, but due to injuries and now a suspension they learned how to play without the star. Rookie Malik Jefferson is the biggest addition to the linebackers while 2017 rookie Jordan Evans played better as the year progressed. Preston Brown, a free agent signing, will hold down the middle and Nick Vigil will start outside.

Bengals secondary is expected to have Dre Kirkpatrick, Darqueze Dennard, William Jackson, Shawn Williams and George Iloka. That group gives Cincinnati stability to the defensive unit and will be one of the best in the NFL.

Odds makers are not confident Marvin Lewis can bring back the magic of a few years ago. The Bengals are picked to win 6.5 games. That number looks easy to beat and with a few breaks going their way, the Bengals may just win 8 or 9 games. If Bengals could get key skill receivers to stay healthy think it's 9-7 year for Bengals in 2018-19.

Download the Picks and Parlays Mobile App

Get A free VIP Pick Daily!