Cincinnati Bengals Betting 2025: Win Total & Playoff Odds

Greg Kajewski
6 hours ago
4 min read

The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the Cincinnati Bengals. With high expectations for their offense, lingering concerns about their defense, and questions surrounding their playoff potential, sports bettors and fans alike are keeping a close eye on this team. Whether you’re betting on their win total, playoff odds, or individual matchups, understanding the Bengals’ strengths and weaknesses is crucial.

This article delves into the Bengals’ outlook for 2025, analyzing their offseason moves, roster dynamics, and schedule challenges. Using insights from Lefty of The Betting Network, we’ll explore whether the Bengals are worth a wager this season.

A Promising Offense: Burrow and Chase Lead the Charge

One of the Bengals’ biggest assets in 2025 is their explosive offense, led by quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Jamar Chase. Burrow, now entering the season without any offseason interruptions due to injuries or holdouts, brings stability and leadership to the team. Over the past few seasons, Burrow has consistently ranked as a top-five quarterback in key metrics, and there’s little doubt that he will excel again this year - barring any major injuries.

Jamar Chase remains a dominant force, having led the NFL in yards, receptions, and touchdowns in 2024. His chemistry with Burrow is unmatched, and the duo is expected to continue putting up elite numbers. However, the team’s overall success hinges on more than just offensive firepower.

The Slow Start Problem

One recurring issue for the Bengals in the Joe Burrow-Zac Taylor era has been their tendency to stumble out of the gate. The team is an abysmal 1-9 in the first two weeks of the season over the past five years. Acknowledging this, the Bengals have reportedly focused on giving starters more reps in training camp and preseason games to break the cycle of early-season struggles. Bettors should take note of their Week 1 division clash against the Cleveland Browns, as a strong start could set the tone for their season.

Defensive Concerns Loom Large

While the Bengals’ offense ranks among the league’s elite, their defense remains a glaring weakness. In 2024, the defense allowed the second-most yards after the catch and struggled significantly in coverage, with no cornerback grading above 68. Despite facing a historically easy schedule of backup quarterbacks, the Bengals’ defense still ranked second-worst in EPA (Expected Points Added) per play when matched up against starting quarterbacks.

Adding to the uncertainty, the team replaced longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo with a relatively unproven candidate. With minimal upgrades made to the roster in free agency and the draft - aside from edge rusher Shamar Stewart - the Bengals are essentially banking on internal improvements and coaching changes to rectify their defensive issues. Bettors should exercise caution when considering the Bengals against high-powered offenses, as their ability to prevent late-game collapses remains questionable.

The Cap Crunch and Roster Depth

Another factor affecting the Bengals’ 2025 outlook is salary cap constraints. After securing major contract extensions for Burrow, Chase, and Tee Higgins, the team has limited resources to address depth issues. As a result, injuries could have an outsized impact, particularly on defense. This lack of depth may also explain why the Bengals allocated just $35 million of their $450 million budget to free agents this offseason.

A Tough Schedule Lies Ahead

The Bengals’ schedule for 2025 features several challenging stretches that could determine their playoff fate. Key obstacles include:

Weeks 4-6: A grueling stretch with back-to-back road games against Denver and Green Bay, sandwiched around a home matchup with Detroit.
Weeks 13-15: A short week leads into a road game against Baltimore on Thursday Night Football, followed by another tough matchup in Buffalo and a rematch with the Ravens at home.

With such a demanding slate, the Bengals must capitalize on winnable games early in the season to stay in playoff contention.

Win Total and Playoff Odds: What the Numbers Say

The Bengals’ win total is set at 9.5 games, with the over slightly favored at -120. However, Lefty of The Betting Network projects the Bengals as a nine-win team, citing their defensive liabilities as a major concern. For bettors who share this skepticism, betting on the Bengals to miss the playoffs (+160) or taking the under on 10.5 wins (-155) may provide value.

Betting Strategy: Defense Matters

One key insight from Lefty’s analysis is the importance of defense in covering spreads. While the Bengals’ offense is more than capable of scoring in bunches, their defense’s inability to prevent late-game surges could open the door for underdog teams to cover spreads. Bettors should carefully evaluate matchups where the Bengals are favored by significant margins.

Key Takeaways

Slow Starts: The Bengals are notorious for early-season struggles, with a 1-9 record in Weeks 1-2 over the past five years. A fast start in 2025 is critical.
Explosive Offense: Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase headline one of the NFL’s top offenses, but they’ll need to outperform expectations to compensate for a shaky defense.
Defensive Struggles: The Bengals defense ranked poorly against starting quarterbacks in 2024 and made minimal offseason improvements.
Cap Constraints: Salary cap issues have limited the team’s ability to add depth, making injuries a potential season-altering factor.
Tough Schedule: The Bengals face several challenging stretches, with road games against Baltimore, Buffalo, and Green Bay posing major tests.
Betting Value: Consider the under on 10.5 wins (-155) or betting the Bengals to miss the playoffs (+160) if you’re concerned about their defensive vulnerabilities.

Final Thoughts

The Cincinnati Bengals are a team of contrasts entering the 2025 season: an elite offense led by Burrow and Chase, offset by a defense with significant question marks. For sports bettors, the Bengals present both opportunities and risks. Understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and schedule dynamics is essential for making informed wagers.

Whether you’re a sharp bettor analyzing advanced metrics or a casual fan betting on your favorite team, the Bengals’ 2025 season offers plenty of drama and intrigue. Stay sharp, and good luck with your bets!

Outlook and Source from Lefty of The Betting Network: "2025 NFL Team Preview | Cincinnati Bengals | o/u 9.5 Wins? Miss/Make Playoffs?" - Live Dog Lefty, YouTube, Jul 31, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfAwFqtB-R4