Bengals Giants Predictions & NFL Odds
Written September 18, 2008 by Jack Jones
The New York Giants will try to continue their unbeaten streak on Sunday when they host the struggling Cincinnati Bengals to the Meadowlands. Most pundits would have to say they are going to do so as the early odds on this game at Sportsbook.com show the Giants as 13-point favorites and the total at 41.5.
Last year the Giant’s started the season out by losing their first two games, but that didn’t stop the team from rattling off a great stretch of wins to close the season and to win the Super Bowl title. This year’s team doesn’t want to put themselves in a hole to start things off, beating Washington in the opener 16-7 and then easily handling the St. Louis Rams 41-13 last weekend.
The Giant offense rebounded from a scoreless second half in Week 1 with an all-around effort. Quarterback Eli Manning did his part with three touchdowns passes, while the running backs combined for 203 yards from Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Ahmad Bradshaw.
New York’s defense also looked strong, getting to Marc Bulger for six sacks and holding the Rams to just 201 yards of total offense. Defense end Justin Tuck was a beast with two sacks and an interception that he took 41-yards into the endzone.
You would think a team coming off a Super Bowl championship playing a couple of weak opponents might have a hiccup, but head coach Tom Coughlin’s team came out focused and determined against the Rams, and now will be turning their attention to the Bengals. You can bet the Giants at -13 at BetUS and get up to 135% in signup bonuses!
Cincinnati has looked like one of the worst teams in the league after two weeks, and head coach Marvin Lewis could start to feel his seat warm up. Last week the Bengals lost to the Titans 24-7, even though Vince Young was out and backup Kerry Collins was the starter.
Quarterback Carson Palmer looked like a backup, throwing for only 134 yards and two picks without reaching the endzone. Sure it was windy at Paul Brown Stadium and the conditions for throwing the ball were bad, but you expect more out of a top tier quarterback who is supposed to be able to carry your team on his shoulders. However, the team’s offense has only reached the endzone one time so far in 2008. Of course he hasn’t got much help from the team’s other star, Chad Ocho Cinco, who was held to just four grabs for 37 yards against Tennessee.
The Cincinnati defense is going to have its hands full against the Giants running attack. The team hasn’t been known for it’s defensive prowess anyway, but they are 30th in the NFL with 203 rushing yards allowed per game after giving the Titans 177 via the ground last week.
The one good thing that Cincinnati has been able to do so far is keeping Palmer on his feet. He’s only been sacked three times, which leads the league. The Titans do a good job of pressuring the quarterback too, so even though the Giants have a great pass rush, he should have some time to hit his receivers. If you want to bet on Cincinnati then take the +13 spread at Sportsbook.com and get a 100% bonus on your first winning wager.
NFL Score Predictions: Giants 27, Bengals 14
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Cincy jungle goes into the Bengals Giants matchup with some additional detail and statistics.