Top AFC Sleeper team (ATS)


Cincinnati Bengals

Head Coach: Marvin Lewis enters season #7 as the Bengals head coach. The Bengals have a history of holding on to head coaches for long periods of time so his job is safe for the unforeseeable future. He is 46-50-1 the past six years but 50-45 against-the-spread (ATS). His team always plays hard. Cincinnati enters the new season riding a three-game winning streak that saw the defense allow a total of 19 points.

Offense: The only concern here is the offensive line. It will feature three new starters. The only returning starters are the guards, Andrew Whitworth and Bobby Williams. Both have emerged as quality starters and should only get better. Carson Palmer missed all but four games in 2008 and now says his elbow is feeling 100%. J.T. O'Sullivan, who satrted eight games for the 49's will be his backup this season.

After the Bengals lost T.J. Houshmandzadeh as free agent to Seattle, they quickly signed Laveranues Coles to lineup opposite Chad Ochocinco. With all the attention that Chad receives look for Coles to have a big year. Nice sleeper pick for your fantasy draft. No depth at RB but starter Cedric Benson looked like the Benson who we saw play at Texas U. He rushed for 171 yards @ Cleveland in week #16 and another 111 yards vs. KC in week #17. He gained 747 yards total in twelve games played. The coaches are eager to see what he can do in a full season.

Defense: The defense was ranked #12 last year which might suprise you. This unit has the potencial to be a Top 10 defense this season. The secondary could be one of the best units in the AFC. Cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall are former first-round picks and have more than held their own. The signing of Roy Williams from Dallas, along with Chris Crocker gives the Benaglas two of the hardest hitting safey tandems in the league. Roy Williams hopes to return to the level he enjoyed from 2002-06, when he had 17 interceptions on Zimmer's defense.

Middle Linebacker Dhani Jones is a stud! He led the team in tackles and will have another stud with him. Rey Maualuga, a second round pick from USC will infuse his intensity and skill set throughout the entire team. I watched him play at USC and he is super fast and super good. The signing of NT Tank Johnson away from Dallas gives the Bengals another bohemiath on the defensive line. Domata Peko had 108 tacles to lead all lineman and Pat Sims will be even better in his sophomore season. DE Robert Geathers is one to watch. He has gotten better every season and led the team with 12 QB hurries in 2008 despite missing significant game action with various injuries.

Special Teams: Both coverage units are fast and were ranked in the Top 15 last season. Shayne Graham made 21 of 24 FG attempts and is one of your better kickers in NFL. Kyle Larson averaged a league worst 39.5 yards per punt last season so he is gone. Kevin Huber was drafted in the fifth round locally from Cincinnati U. Huber is the first Greater Cincinnati player to be selected by the Bengals since Jerry Reynolds in 1994. Last year Huber averaged 44.9 yards per punt, which was the seventh highest in Division I-A. Of his 60 punts, 20 were 50 yards or more. He had 24 punts downed inside the 20, including 15 inside the 10 and seven inside the 5. Looks like Andre Caldwell, who took over the return duties late last season returns in that role in 2009.

Outlook: The Bengals played the 3rd toughest schedule in 2008-09. Based on last year's records they will play the 15th toughest schedule in 2009-10. They do play in a very competitive division with the Steelers and Ravens above them. But, keep in mind all we want the Bengals to do this year is Cover the Spread--- unless you're a fan. The Bengals will be Underdogs in all but five games this season. They will be small favorties at home vs. the Lions, Browns, Chiefs, Broncos, and Houston. Look for the Bengals to play close games as road dogs this season.

2009-10 straight-up record: 9-7

2009-10 against-the spread record: 12-4

Jeff's Top AFC Sleeper team selection:

*** Take the Bengals -3 in week #1 vs. the Broncos.***

Next week: NFC

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