It was a brutal ending to the season for the Bengals, who at the very least expected to have their number one overall pick Joe Burrow available to finish the season. In an unfortunate turn of events, Burrow sustained a torn ACL and MCL, though the injury isn’t expected to affect his 2021 season. Zac Taylor is clearly working the roster around Burrow after Cincinnati drafted his former teammate Ja’Marr Chase fifth overall, adding to their young receiving corps.
Defensively, the Bengals left much to be desired; their 26.5 points allowed per game in 2020 was just 21st in the NFL and their 5.1 yards per rush allowed was 31st. However, moving forward, it’s clear where the Bengals need to address– the offensive line. After Burrow’s injury and three sacks allowed per game (sixth-most), Cincinnati should be all-in when it comes to revamping their offensive front. They bolstered their defense in free agency– namely with pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and corner Mike Hilton– as well as helping out the offensive line with tackle Riley Reiff.
Though Cincinnati was never really in contention for the playoffs or a Super Bowl run, fans can’t help but feel like the book was officially closed on 2020 with the injury to their quarterback. As Burrow himself said, “See ya next year.”
Cincinnati Bengals Week 1 odds
The Bengals open their 2021 season at home against the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to be 100% for the game after suffering a devastating knee injury that ended his rookie season, per Burrow’s doctor. Upon his return, Burrow has former-LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase to look forward to– a connection that resulted in over 21 yards per reception and 20 touchdowns last time out (LSU’s 2019 championship season).
The 2020 Vikings posted one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL and Mike Zimmer’s only Minnesota defense to fall out of the top 10 in points allowed. This offseason, they added veteran star Patrick Peterson and pass rusher Stephen Weatherly to beef up the defense. With Peterson likely floating between Chase and Tyler Boyd, Chase may have opportunities to pick up yards and targets in his NFL debut. Cincinnati was vulnerable against the run a season ago, finishing 23rd in the NFL in rush EPA allowed; an unfavorable matchup against Minnesota who– despite losing Gary Kubiak to retirement– continues the family line with his son Klint.
With Minnesota expected to be primed for a bounce back year, it’s no surprise that the Bengals () opened this game as +3.5 underdogs.
Complete Week 1 betting preview: Vikings vs. Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals futures odds
Futures are long-term bets that can range from an offseason to a full season (or beyond). Team win totals, award winners, and player performance are common futures.
Bengals Super Bowl odds and other futures markets 2021
- Odds to win Super Bowl: +15000
- To win AFC: +8000
- To win AFC North: +2500
- Make playoffs: +500
- Bengals win total: 6.5 (-130)
Odds last updated August 4
Bengals prop bets
Prop bets are based on individual performance, typically surrounding players. This season, Burrow was the main focus when it came to prop betting. For example, his passing yard total against the Browns was projected to be 245.5 yards. Burrow picked up 316 yards in the Week 2 loss but cashed out for those who took the over on his passing prop. Other players to see plenty of prop attention include Higgins, Boyd, and running back Joe Mixon.
Search below for Cincinnati Bengals team or player props currently being offered at sportsbooks. You can also look around at other teams and players using this tool. Happy shopping!
Cincinnati Bengals 2021 schedule and betting odds
A look at the schedule for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021. Also provided are game spreads from DraftKings Sportsbook.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time | Opening Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Sunday, Sept. 12 | vs. Minnesota Vikings | 1 p.m. ET | Vikings -3.5 |
| Week 2 | Sunday, Sept. 19 | at Chicago Bears | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 3 | Sunday, Sept. 26 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 4 | Thursday, Sept. 30 | vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | 8:20 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 5 | Sunday, Oct. 10 | vs. Green Bay Packers | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 6 | Sunday, Oct. 17 | at Detroit Lions | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 7 | Sunday, Oct. 24 | at Baltimore Ravens | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 8 | Sunday, Oct. 31 | at New York Jets | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 9 | Sunday, Nov. 7 | vs. Cleveland Browns | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 10 | BYE | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Week 11 | Sunday, Nov. 21 | at Las Vegas Raiders | 4:05 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 12 | Sunday, Nov. 28 | vs. Pittsburgh Steelers | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 13 | Sunday, Dec. 5 | vs. LA Chargers | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 14 | Sunday, Dec. 12 | vs. San Francisco 49ers | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 15 | Sunday, Dec. 19 | at Denver Broncos | 4:05 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 16 | Sunday, Dec. 26 | vs. Baltimore Ravens | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 17 | Sunday, Jan. 2 | vs. Kansas City Chiefs | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 18 | Sunday, Jan. 9 | at Cleveland Browns | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
Best Bengals betting site(s)
How to bet on the Cincinnati Bengals
Moneyline
The moneyline is the simplest of bets, decided by the straight-up winner and loser of each game. Consider the following example:
- Patriots -125
- Bengals +210
The Bengals are considered underdogs in this matchup (indicated by +210), paying out $310 total for a $100 bet ($210 in winnings). The Patriots are the favorite in this matchup, requiring a $125 bet to win $100 (plus the initial bet back). How much either team wins or loses by does not matter in moneyline betting, the payout remains the same.
Point spread
Betting on the point spread is determinant on how many points a team wins or loses by. Take the following example:
- Rams -4.5 (-110)
- Bengals +4.5 (-110)
In this example, Los Angeles is favored by 4.5 points, indicated by “-4.5.” If the Rams win the game 22-17, the Rams (-4.5) win the bet and would have a total payout of $19.09 on a $10 bet ($9.09 in profit). If the Bengals keep the game within four and lose 23-20, the Bengals (+4.5) would win, and the payout would be the same as listed above.
Point total (over/under)
The point total refers to the over/under line set by books. This number projects the total number of points scored in a game and, like prop betting, is bet whether one thinks the score will go over or under the set point total. For example, in a Bengals matchup with the Eagles, the game had a projected point total of 48.5 points. The Eagles and Bengals tied 23-23, for a combined point total of 46 points. Those that bet the under in the game would have cashed out.
In-play and live betting
Sometimes, the most thrilling and rewarding bets are bets made while games are being played. These are referred to as live bets or in-play bets. Odds are ever-changing during games, which would prove to be fruitful for sharp and prepared bettors. For example, if the Bengals (-225) were heavily favored against the Texans (+190) before kickoff, a payout on a $10 bet on the Bengals to win would win just $4.44.
However, say the Bengals fell to a big 17-3 deficit in the first half despite controlling the overall game (due to a costly turnover or special teams gaffe). Odds may swing in favor of the Texans, who may be a -110 favorite at halftime. Taking the Bengals to come back and win the game could present plus-odds (say, +130). Should a bettor take Cincinnati (+130) at halftime and the Bengals pull off the comeback, winners would win $13 instead of $4.44 (plus the initial $10 bet).
This could also be an effective way to “hedge” your bet; say a bettor took the Texans (+190) in that game, but Cincinnati jumps out to a 10-0 first quarter lead and is controlling the overall feel of the game, bettors could hedge by throwing some money down on the Bengals (-270) to return some of the inevitably-lost bet.
Parlays and teasers
You can always string bets together in the form of parlays or teasers. Usually during busy Sundays, bettors can parlay several teams to win or cover against the spread and if all bets are successful, the payouts are multiplied. Teasers function similarly, except they allow bettors to move each point spread to a more favorable line in exchange for diminished odds.
Bengals 2020 recap
Record: 4-11-1
Record ATS: 9-7
Over/under record: 7-8-1
4-11-1 isn’t much to celebrate, but the Bengals exceeded expectations in almost every category. Games against the Browns that were projected to be blowouts remained close and Cincinnati even spoiled the Steelers’ undefeated party. The offense was capable even without a strong offensive line and Joe Burrow was well on his way to putting together a Rookie of the Year campaign before his injury. Reserve running back Giovanni Bernard even showed signs of life in Joe Mixon’s absence.
The real surprise is the Bengals’ 9-7 record against the spread this season. After selecting first overall in the NFL Draft, Cincinnati wasn’t expected to do much of anything this year, often digging themselves in point spread holes. However, Burrow’s magic and Zac Taylor’s sound coaching kept the Bengals in games. They were wins of attrition though, as the Bengals finished below 0.500 against the point total.
Bengals 2021 offseason moves
Trades: None
Re-signings: DL Mike Daniels (one year, $2.5 million)
Free agent losses: EDGE Carl Lawson (to Jets), CB William Jackson (to Washington), WR A.J. Green (to Cardinals), T Bobby Hart (to Bills), CB McKensie Alexander (to Vikings)
Free agent signings: EDGE Trey Hendrickson (four years, $60 million), T Riley Reiff (two years, $7.5 million), CB Mike Hilton (four years, $24 million), CB Chidobe Awuzie (three years, $21.8 million), EDGE Larry Ogunjobi (one year, $6.2 million), Ricardo Allen (one year, $1.5 million)
Draft picks: WR Ja’Marr Chase, OT Jackson Carman, EDGE Joseph Assai, K Evan McPherson, RB Chris Evans