Cincinnati Bengals Super Bowl Odds - Bengals 50-1 Longshots

Since winning the AFC North in 2005 the Cincinnati Bengals have been a bust in Super Bowl odds going 8-8, 7-9 and 4-11-1. Head coach Marvin Lewis is starting to feel the heat in Cincinnati and a winning record is a must for the Bengals in 2009. Having won only four games in 2008 it would seem a longshot that the Bengals would rebound with a winning season but there are some positive signs. Cincinnati is 50-1 in 2009 Super Bowl odds and is going to rise or fall on the arm of quarterback Carson Palmer. He has not been healthy in recent seasons but goes into 2009 at full strength.

Keeping Palmer healthy will be up to an offensive line that has four new starters including first round pick Andre Smith out of Alabama. The young and inexperienced offensive line is going to be a key to the Bengals season. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski wants to have a balanced attack in 2009 and that may be possible with Cedric Benson. He rushed for 747 yards last season and was one of the few bright spots for Cincinnati. The rushing game is needed to take the pressure off of Palmer and the passing game. Palmer still has Chad Ochocinco and Ochocinco has promised a big season in 2009.

The Bengals lost T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the off-season but they did sign Laveranues Coles so the drop off should not be too bad. Chris Henry is back and he has a ton of talent. Overall, the Bengals have the ability to put a lot of points on the board in 2009. The defense has to improve if the Bengals are to make the playoffs in 2009. Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom need to start living up to their big contracts and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The linebackers are led by veteran Dhani Jones and he could get some help in the middle by Rey Maualuga who the Bengals took in the draft.

The secondary could be very good with former first-round cornerbacks Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph. Third-year strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe has also looked good. The special teams are solid with kicker Shayne Graham leading the way and the punting job was given to fifth-round rookie Kevin Huber. The bottom line for the Bengals in 2009 Super Bowl odds is having Carson Palmer return to form. If he can regain his Pro-Bowl form then the Bengals can be an exciting team to watch in 2009 and challenge for a playoff spot.