The Cincinnati Bengals surprised many last season, making the Super Bowl but losing to the Los Angeles Rams. With that success in hand, expectations were unsurprisingly higher coming into this season.
The start to the year was a bit sluggish, but ever since the first few weeks the Bengals have lived up to expectations. By the end of the year, the Bengals odds to win the Super Bowl were among the best in the league
Cincinnati compiled a 12-4 record in the regular season before eliminating the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills in the playoffs. The Bengals find themselves one win away from a return to the Super Bowl. From a surprise appearance in the Super Bowl last year to an expected conference championship game appearance this year, the Bengals certainly have come a long way since drafting elite quarterback Joe Burrow. The Bengals playoff chances in 2023 continue to be some of the highest in the league.
Can Bengals Go All the Way?
This year’s Bengals squad definitely has higher expectations to win the big game, but should that be the case? With Ohio sportsbooks in full gear since the beginning of the year, BetOhio.com looked at how often the team that lost the previous Super Bowl has come back to win it in the next year.
The answer doesn’t bode well for Cincinnati fans and people who use Ohio betting apps to back their Bengals.
Two years ago, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Bengals coming into the season at about +15000 odds to win the NFL Championship and a team win total over/under set at 6.5. They blew past that with a 10-win season and, of course, ended up almost winning the Super Bowl, losing to the Rams, who came into the year with much shorter odds of +1200.
Expectations were higher this year, but with Super Bowl odds of around +2000 and a win total of 9.5 on DraftKings the Bengals still seemed undervalued.
Cincinnati managed to beat its win total again, even despite playing one less game than expected after the Damar Hamlin incident against Buffalo caused a game to be canceled.
Now, with only four teams remaining, the Bengals have odds of +270 to win the Super Bowl on Tipico Ohio Sportsbook. The Philadelphia Eagles (+250) and Kansas City Chiefs (+260) are ahead of them.
Tipico has the Bengals as 1.5-point underdogs to the Chiefs as of Friday morning. They are -110 on the moneyline and the over-under points total is at 48.
Checking another book, Fan Duel Ohio has the same point spread of 1.5. With the game at Arrowhead Stadium – or Burrowhead, as some are calling it this week – it is clear oddsmakers see these teams as very evenly matched.
You can find Tipico Ohio or FanDuel Ohio bonus codes here at BetOhio.com.
What Does History Say About Runner-Ups Winning Next Year?
If the Bengals are to advance and eventually win the Super Bowl, they will be defying the odds.
Only three times in 51 chances has the team that lost the previous Super Bowl won it the following year. It has only happened once since 1972. Here are the teams:
- 1971: Dallas Cowboys
- 1972: Miami Dolphins
- 2018: New England Patriots
It’s been a great year for Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and the rest of the Bengals.
The Chiefs and the winner of the 49ers at Eagles game are the only clear remaining obstacles for the Bengals.
Ohio bettors and fans know that they also must break through one final obstacle, the trend against previous Super Bowl losers.
BetOhio.com will have more info on the Super Bowl as it draws closer. The site also is a great source for Ohio sportsbook promos.
