Cincinnati will be looking to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2022-2023 season, but what do the Bengals' futures odds say about their chances? Cincinnati made a bold offseason move by trading for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, and with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins forming one of the most explosive receiver duos in football, the pieces could be in place for the Bengals to get there. Let's take a look at the odds from sportsbooks in Ohio.
Futures Odds for the Cincinnati Bengals: Playoffs, Division, and More
The odds above have been pulled from DraftKings and are current as of August 27. Before you place any wager, but especially a futures bet, it's always a good idea to check multiple Ohio sports betting apps. These odds tend to fluctuate more widely between operators, and if there's a better price somewhere else, it doesn't make any sense not to take advantage of it to increase your potential payout.
What the Bengals Futures Odds Tell Us
The market is implying the Bengals are good enough to compete, but not quite good enough to be mentioned among the true Super Bowl favorites. Currently, the Bengals' playoff odds are -200, which indicates that oddsmakers like this roster to bounce back after last year's letdown. The Bengals' division title odds are +184, which puts them as the second betting favorite behind the Baltimore Ravens, who currently have odds of -112 to win the AFC North.
The Bengals' AFC Title Odds are +1025, a number that respects what Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins bring to the table while acknowledging just how loaded the conference is this year. Likewise, the Bengals' odds to win the Super Bowl are +2000, which puts them in a crowded middle tier. This highlights that oddsmakers believe they could realistically make a run if things go their way.
How to Bet on Cincinnati Bengals Futures in Ohio
Ohio's sports betting market features both mobile and at retail locations, so Bengals backers have plenty of legal options through apps like bet365, FanDuel, BetMGM, and in-person books across the state. Getting a futures bet down only takes a few steps:
- Sign up with a licensed online sports betting app in Ohio.
- Head to the NFL section and find the Bengals, or pull up the book's dedicated futures tab.
- Pick your market (Super Bowl odds, conference odds, etc.).
- Add it to your bet slip, double-check the price and payout, then lock it in.
Along the same lines as finding the best odds for your bets, it's also worth checking Ohio sportsbook promos before submitting your ticket. Offers like odds boosts and profit boosts can add to your potential payout and make a legit difference. Just be sure you don't use a promo meant for new users on a futures wager. Not only could you be waiting for months for your bonus, some new user betting bonuses can void if the wager doesn't settle within a certain amount of time.
Key Bengals Changes to Know For The Season
Fixing the league's worst defense was priority number one for Cincinnati this offseason, and the front office didn't hold back. The biggest swing was surrendering a first-round pick to land three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, finally giving the Bengals a legitimate force in the middle. They didn't stop there, adding pass rusher Boye Mafe and veteran Jonathan Allen up front, in addition to safety Bryan Cook to help settle down the back end. Not every move was an addition, though. Trey Hendrickson, a key piece of that pass rush for years, walked in free agency and landed with a division rival, leaving a real hole to fill.
Behind the scenes, Joe Burrow's restructured contract gave Cincinnati some breathing room under the cap, room the front office kept using well into camp. The coaching staff stayed put, so this is very much a bet that the defensive overhaul, not a scheme change, is what finally gets the Bengals over the hump.
