We are almost there since we have waited for so long for the much anticipated start of the NFL season, and one of the intriguing matchups that stands out has to be the offensive circus that is the Cincinnati Bengals traveling to Foxboro to play the New England Patriots. Even with the Bengals going all the way to the playoffs last season, it seemed they did it week in and week out at the expense of quarterback Carson Palmer. After an injury filled 2008, Palmer came back in 2009 and threw 21 touchdowns with 13 interceptions, and had a quarterback rating of under 60 in their sole playoff game vs. the New York Jets. With the addition of Terrell Owens to their offense, the Bengals add a weapon on the other side of the field with Chad Ochocinco that could hopefully take their 24th ranked offense last season to new heights. 2007 seems like a long time ago, but not as long as it must feel for Bill Belichick. In 2008, Tom Brady went down in week one with an ACL tear and missed the remainder of the season. In 2009, Wes Welker went down with a tear in his ACL and MCL a week before the playoffs and virtually ended their Super Bowl push in week 17. Three years older, two injuries later, the New England Offense needs to get back on track to have any chance, especially with the recent news of Ty Warren being done for the season with a torn hip. For the Cincinnati Bengals to even stay close with the up-tempo Patriots in week one, they are going to need to keep up their 2009 defense, which was ranked 4th overall and 6th in points allowed. The Bengals will need a serious boost offensively if they want a chance to upset New England on the road, especially after a lack luster passing game last season. With Cedric Benson finally healthy after getting hurt multiple times last year, the only problem the Bengals are sure not to have is with their running game. The tandem of Benson and Bernard Scott are sure to give the Patriots all they can handle, especially with the injuries and age of their defensive line. With the spread ranging from 5 to 6 points in favor of New England, I think the line makers have really overlooked the eagerness and talent of Cincinnati in this matchup. Most people will take New England in this matchup, but to be honest, most people are usually wrong, especially when picking NFL games. I like Cincinnati to pull the upset here [at least to cover the spread], New England has all the glitz and glamour of an NFL powerhouse, but I just don’t think this is their year with a very tough division and an aging core to their team. Take the Bengals +5.5 in Week One Want even more Expert betting advice make sure you check out our friends at Cooper’s Sports Picks.
For football picks, live football odds, expert betting handicapping advice, and tons more check out Cooper’s Sports Picks.
>>> Related Articles by CTS Guest Capper<<<
» PAC 10 Football 2010: Odds, Previews, and Predictions» Top 5 Most Overrated College Football Programs
» Top 5 Tips to Winning Bets in MLB
» USC Trojans 2009 should fans be worried??
Click here to view all of CTS Guest Capper's premium picks.
Social Bookmarking
