Odds on Bengals to Win Division

The NFL is one of the most watched sporting leagues in the world, and many of its viewers likely have wagers on the line - other than the most apparent bet on who will win the Super Bowl. So, if you’re considering placing a bet on the Cincinnati Bengals winning the AFC North Division this season, here’s what you need to know.

Cincinnati Bengals AFC North Division History

When it comes to the AFC North Division, it’s hard not to talk about the Cincinnati Bengals’ triumph in the 2021 NFL season. The team started as one of the worst-rated teams by most sportsbooks but defied all odds to win the AFC North Division convincingly with a healthy 10-7 record. 

Understanding the odds of the Cincinnati Bengals winning the AFC North Division is not as simple as analyzing the 2021 season. The Bengals’ record in division wins is not overly flattering, with the team having won the division only three times in their history - in 1981, 1988, and 2021.

The 90s and 2000s were periods of great struggle for the Bengals, though they have become far more consistent ever since the mid-2010s. 

Outright and Futures Betting in NFL

A bet on the winner of the AFC North Division is classified as an outright bet, a long-term betting market that opens up during the pre-season. The odds constantly evolve throughout the season, which means that the odds for the Cincinnati Bengals at the start of the season might look significantly different from when the market opened up.

If you’re planning to bet on the Bengals, the odds are presented in the American format. Take these odds, for example:

Team

Odds

Ravens

-125

Bengals

+250

Browns

+400

Steelers

+2500

In these example odds, a $125 bet on the Ravens would yield $100 at the end of the season if they were to win the division. Similarly, a $100 bet on the Bengals would generate $250 if they were to win. 

The odds in the outrights market are constantly evolving, as they currently are throughout this season - allowing you to exploit moments of volatility to perfect your betting strategy. A $100 bet on the Bengals at this moment can undoubtedly be hedged by betting on another team when the opportunity arises. 

AFC North Odds - the Fundamentals

Understanding how AFC North outrights odds work is key to betting like a pro. Outright odds differ from moneyline bets and over or unders because of the long-term volatility of the odds. Understanding the volatility of these odds can help you preempt volatility instead of fearing it and capitalize on crucial moments.

The NFL season consists of 270+ games, and each team plays at least 17 games before the playoffs. As is the nature of the league, these games are all played in 18 weeks, leaving very little time for rest, recovery, and training. 

This grueling schedule unsurprisingly takes a toll on players, their teams, and betting markets, by extension. This is arguably the most significant factor affecting betting odds after new signings, making it essential to consider as you bet on the Bengals this season.