Overall record: 10-5 +5.03
Week 1: 4-1 +2.93
Week 2: 3-2 +1.07
Week 3: 3-2 +1.03
Week 4
Bengals -116
A couple books are letting this hang a little bit, so snagged it early. Think it'll settle in the -150 area when it's all said and done.
This team still has a ways to go, especially Joe Burrow. It's tough to say how he's gonna feel week to week, but the good news is he got through a game without re-inuring anything. I think it might be one of those things where he gets gradually better each week leading up until the bye. The truth is he'll probably never fully heal, but I do think he can gradually get better.
I think Cincinnati left quite a few points on the field last night against the Rams. Some Higgins drops, a couple miscommunications, that weird interception that should have been a catch by Boyd....this was a game the Bengals should have wrapped up sooner than it did. That said, they are starting to look a little bit more like themselves offensively. I think their offensive line is much improved, despite the overall offensive struggles/Burrow rust. If their offensive line continues to protect Burrow/provide solid run-blocking, this offense will continue to grow.
Specifically against Tennessee, any sort of protection means the potential to have a big day through the air. I think the Bengals offensive line will continue to build continuity in the passing game, and neutralize Tennessee's only real strength -- its pash rush. That'll give the Bengals a lot of opportunities in the pass game against a very vulnerable secondary. If Burrow does take a step forward, it could be a big day for him in this match-up.
On the other side of the ball, we saw a much better/aggressive Bengals defense. They are susceptible to some big plays because of their aggression, but as you could see they were pretty stout on both third down and in the red zone last night. That "bend don't break" philosophy has carried them for a few years. A game like last night can really go a long way. With Tannehill's struggles, I could see Cincinnati creating a couple more turnovers in this game. They will be in a great position if they can get one early and force the Titans to go away from running the ball -- what they ideally would like to do with Henry/their other offensive struggles. I think the Bengals defense will carry its momentum the Monday night win and play well here.
Add in that the Bengals seem to have the Titans number -- both regular season and playoffs -- and I really think this is a nice spot for them to continue stepping in the right direction. The only reservation I have is the short week factor against a good coach in Vrabel, but I think the Titans are dysfunctional enough where that won't mean much
Take Cincy, and early before it balloons up