AFC North Betting Preview: Cincinatti Bengals

The NFL season may be two months away, but it still hasn't stopped a number of bookmakers putting up their early division prices. For all the pre-season talk between now and September, the only thing that can be guaranteed is not all the fancied teams will go as well as expected. Over the coming weeks, I will be looking at a number of the divisions - but to start with I shall begin with the AFC North where Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers are very much fancied to lead the way. Interestingly it is the Ravens who are favourites despite the Steelers going 15-1 last season. Baltimore were ranked second last on offence last year, and so will need to considerably improve this time round it they are going to be a factor. However, for all the offensive changes, namely appointing Jim Fassel as offensive coordinator, the signing of Derrick Mason, the drafting of Mark Clayton, the big question mark about this team finishing on top of the AFC North is their quarterback Kyle Boller. Even if the offence does function well, there has to be some concern over the new defensive scheme being employed. While in theory the transition from the 3-4 to 46 shouldn't be too much of a problem, there is always a chance not everything runs as smoothly as expected, and that could have a destablishing effect on the team. As for the current AFC North champions, Pittsburgh managed to win 15 regular season games despite fielding a rookie quarterback. While the defence returns the majority of its starters, the offence could struggle if Ben Roethlisberger doesn't quite perform to the high standards set in 2004. Furthermore, the rookie QB has lost a potent weapon in Plaxico Burress, who gained 19.9 yards per catch last season.While one rooke QB could fall back, another looks set to post impressive numbers this season. Carson Palmer, in his first year as the starting quarterback, threw 18 touchdown passes and got better as the season went on. Encouragingly the offence remains intact. Unlike many other franchises, the Bengals can call upon a proven signal caller in Jon Kitna should anything happen to Palmer.On defense, the team looks improved from previous years. Their first two draft picks, David Pollack and Odell Thurman, should start and help the defense this year. Cincinnati's kicking game and special teams are above average. The outsiders of the group are Cleveland, who have changed pretty much everything there is to change within an NFL organisation. The Browns have a new head coach in Romeo Crennel, new coordinators, a new general manager, a new quarterback and a new running back.. The Browns can only improve on the dismall performances from last year, but as of yet can't truly be considered a viable option to top the division. That honour goes to Cincinnati Bengals, who at a best price 11/4 withbet365 look well worth an early investment. A potentially explosive offense coupled with an improving defence may well be enough to snatch a division that could see the more fancied outfits of Baltimore and Pittsburgh not quite live up to expectations.