After the Cincinnati Bengals missed the postseason for the third consecutive season, the team’s front office was aggressive this offseason as they hope to end their playoff drought.
Following back-to-back seasons in 2021 and 2022 where the team made deep postseason runs, the Bengals defense regressed and worsened each season. Following the 2025 NFL season, when Cincinnati allowed the third-most points in the league, the Bengals completely revamped their defense with an ‘all-in’ approach.
Fortunately, it appears the moves paid off as Las Vegas odds have a positive projection for the team in 2026.
Cincinnati Bengals Las Vegas Projection
Senior sports betting analyst Ben Fawkes revealed on X that the Cincinnati Bengals were favored in 15 games this season, according to DraftKings. That is the second-highest mark in the NFL, behind the Los Angeles Rams. The division rival Baltimore Ravens are tied with the Buffalo Bills among AFC teams by being favored in 14 games.
Regarding the Bengals being favored in 15 games, USA Today’s Chris Roling wrote:
“The Bengals going all-in with the Dexter Lawrence trade and big spending in free agency helps, of course. Joe Burrow healthy to start a season plays a role too, among other things.
Outside factors? The AFC North’s three other teams are starting over with head coaches. And after the so-so results last year, the Bengals have an easier schedule than they probably should.
We’ll see how it plays out on the field after a grueling training camp, of course. But from a Bengals perspective, it’s hard not to like the fact the house out in Las Vegas likes them so much already.”
Cincinnati Bengals Appear Poised to Improve
Oddsmakers appear to be believers in the aggressive moves by the Cincinnati Bengals. Regarding why the team is poised to take a leap after their 6-11 season, Bengals on SI’s Zach Pressnell wrote:
“The Bengals have the potential to be one of the better teams in the AFC this year. The only problem is going to be translating their team from a good team on paper to a good team on the field. The offense has already proven that it will be one of the better units in the league.
The defense has gotten a lot better, but Al Golden is going to need to maximize each player to the best of their abilities to help transform the unit. The front office did their job by bringing in some of the best players available to take the team in the right direction. If Golden can do his job, too, the Bengals could win double-digit games and then some this season.”
Cincinnati’s defense being better on paper is a result of the team adding Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen in free agency, while also trading for three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence.
Of course, being favored in games doesn’t guarantee anything if the team is unable to perform and gel on the field. However, being favored in 15 games is certainly encouraging for Cincinnati.
Bengals Receive Surprising 2026 Outlook From Las Vegas Oddsmakers