2011 NFL Predictions: AFC North Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals

Last Season: 4 – 12

2011 NFL Draft: WR A.J. Green (Georgia, Rd. 1/Pick 4), QB Andy Dalton (TCU, Rd. 2/Pick 3), LB Dontay Moch (Nevada, Rd. 3/Pick 2), G Clint Boling (Georgia, Rd. 4/Pick 4), S Robert Sands (West Virginia, Rd. 5/Pick 3), WR Ryan Whalen (Stanford, Rd. 6/Pick 2), CB Korey Lindsey (Southern Illinois, Rd. 7/Pick 4), RB Jay Finley (Baylor, Rd. 7/Pick 43)

Key Additions: CB Nate Clements,

Key Losses: CB Johnathan Joseph, WR Chad Ochocinco, QB Carson Palmer, WR Terrell Owens

2010 Individual Stat Leaders:

• Passing yards — Carson Palmer — 3,970 yards

• Passing touchdowns — Carson Palmer — 26

• Rushing yards — Cedric Benson — 1,111 yards

• Rushing touchdowns ­— Cedric Benson — 7

• Receiving yards — Terrell Owens — 983 yards

• Receiving touchdowns — Terrell Owens — 9

• Tackles — Dhani Jones — 125

• Sacks — Carlos Dunlap — 10

• Interceptions — Leon Hall — 4

2011 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: @ Browns

Week 2: @ Broncos

Week 3: 49ers

Week 4: Bills

Week 5: @ Jaguars

Week 6: Colts

Week 7: Bye

Week 8: @ Seahawks

Week 9: @ Titans

Week 10: Steelers

Week 11: @ Ravens

Week 12: Browns

Week 13: @ Steelers

Week 14: Texans

Week 15: @ Rams

Week 16: Cardinals

Week 17: Ravens

Analysis: Two years ago the Bengals used a stellar defense on way to winning the AFC North and earning a playoff berth. Last year, they had a meltdown and went 4 – 12. But, it wasn’t the defenses fault. The team only lost three games by more than 10 points. The offense just couldn’t put up enough points. I don’t think much is going to change this year. QB Carson Palmer said he wants traded or is going to retire. He isn’t going to get traded and he won’t suit up for the Bengals this year. That leaves the team in the hands of rookie TCU QB Andy Dalton. The Bengals also lost their top two receivers in Chad Ochocinco, who got traded to New England, and Terrell Owens. Rookie WR A.J. Green has big play potential, but if the Bengals want to get back to the top of a very competitive AFC North, they will have to rely on RB Cedric Benson in the backfield instead of the rookie passing combination. Still, playing Baltimore and Pittsburgh twice each in one season isn’t easy, and the Bengals will fall by the wayward in the AFC North.

2011 Season Prediction: 3 – 13, Fourth in the AFC North

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