The 2010 Cincinnati Bengals enjoyed their first playoff season in 4 years but whether or not they return to the post season in Vegas NFL predictions this year is highly questionable. Cincinnati opened at online sportsbooks as a 30-1 choice to win in Super Bowl odds with an over/under win total of 8 UNDER (-130), which demonstrates that the betting public is not sold on the Bengals despite their AFC North Division title of last year. Division rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh look stronger and the Bengals were exposed in their home playoff loss to the New York Jet as lacking in many key areas starting with a passing game that ranked 26th in NFL betting last year.

Overall Cincinnati finished 10-6 straight up but just 7-9 against the spread in NFL odds as they were a horrible 0-7 against the board as a favorite with the underdog covering 14 out of their 16 games in 2009. Running and defense were the keys to the Bengals success last year and the NFL’s 4th ranked defensive unit will return as a complete unit. Head coach Marvin Lewis is a defensive guru and his guidance was a major reason for the unit’s outstanding play in 2010. Running back Cedric Benson ran for 1251 yards to pace a ground game that was ranked 10th in the NFL.

Heading into 2010 Vegas NFL predictions, quarterback Carson Palmer will be entering his 8th season under fire as he was inconsistent and finished with a 21/13 TD/INT ratio while throwing for 3,094 yards. To his credit, Palmer came up clutch with several 4th quarter winning drives but the final month of the season and the playoff game did much to damage his credibility. Wideout Antonio Bryant was acquired from Tampa Bay to pair up with Chad Ochocinco to give the Bengals and Palmer and additional weapon. If Palmer steps it up and the defense remains solid the Bengals could be a decent board value and have a shot for the playoffs.