‘Long shot worth taking’ – ESPN betting analyst likes the Bengals to beat the odds in a big way this season
Cincinnati is not favored to win its division this year. That means there’s value in predicting them to do just that.
The Cincinnati Bengals have gone three years without winning the AFC North. Winning the Super Bowl is the ultimate goal, but taking the division is the first big step in conquering that giant.
Cincinnati is not favored to win its division this year. That means there’s value in predicting them to do just that. ESPN betting analyst Liz Loza likes the Bengals as +210, or 2.1/1, to win the AFC North.
Keeping quarterback Joe Burrow healthy will be key to Cincy’s success, but providing the franchise with a competent defense (that the Bengals invested in this offseason) offers this squad some breathing room. The offensive continuity figures to improve Cincinnati’s odds of achieving double-digit wins and potentially edging out Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Both rival contenders feature QBs with durability issues as well as regime shifts, making this a long shot worth taking.
Liz loza
ESPN betting analyst
Bengals’ case for taking the AFC North in 2026
Cincinnati’s division is very much up for grabs. The three other clubs are starting over with new head coaches, bringing in completely unknown variables into the mix.
The Cleveland Browns have no stable quarterback option and just traded their best player, Myles Garrett. The Pittsburgh Steelers are relying on an aging Aaron Rodgers catching a spark from 16 years ago when he and head coach Mike McCarthy won a Super Bowl together.
Topping both of those teams shouldn’t be too challenging for the Bengals, but the Baltimore Ravens (-115) are the favorites to have a guaranteed home playoff game. They’re starting fresh with HC Jesse Minter and still have a two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.
What do the Bengals bring to the table? A top offense loaded with continuity, and a revamped defense that has turned heads over the last few months.
A healthy QB Joe Burrow, with top targets Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, instantly makes the Bengals a contender. However, I’m also looking at the Bengals’ focus on defensive upgrades this offseason. The team traded for DT Dexter Lawrence II, while signing DE Boye Mafe, DT Jonathan Allen and S Bryan Cook. Plus, Cincy used a second-round pick on pass rusher Cashius Howell. This feels like a team loading up to make a title run after missing the playoffs last season.
matt bowen
ESPN
Expectations of winning
Cincinnati is ultimately an underdog in the AFC North because the Ravens exist. Regardless of how the division turns out, the Bengals are still expected to win more games than not. Their over/under win total is 9.5 games, and their favorable strength of schedule is a big reason why.
The projected runner-up to finish first is perfectly reasonable outcome. Cincy’s O/U in 2021 was 6.5 wins, and the club went to a Super Bowl that season. This would be far from an equal underdog story.
Still, there’s value in the Bengals as division winner with plus odds entering the second half of the offseason. Far crazier outcomes have happened.