Could The Bengals Seal The Deal In Super Bowl 57?
When Super Bowl 57 kicks off in 2023, Ohioans will be able to take advantage of the DraftKings Ohio promo code to bet on the big game. Will Super Bowl Sunday feature the Cincinnati Bengals? Can Joe Burrow and Co. make another improbable run through the postseason and win Super Bowl 57?
The DraftKings Sportsbook Ohio promo code presents a wonderful opportunity for new Buckeye-State bettors to claim a welcome bonus before placing any wagers — regardless of whether or not the Bengals earn their way back.
NFL fans and bettors may be familiar with the “Super Bowl hangover”, the idea that the losing team struggles to return the following season. These cats certainly appear in need of the “hair of the dog”, but the Bengals are currently within reach of the AFC’s playoff seeds.
The Bengals are 5-4 overall and a game behind the Baltimore Ravens in the division despite being 0-3 against the AFC South. DraftKings Sportsbook prices the Bengals’ Super Bowl chance at +2800.
Consistency eludes Joe Burrow and Co., thanks, in large part, to a leaky offensive line that has allowed 3.6 sacks per contest. One of the best ways to deter an opposing defense from pinning its ears back and attacking the quarterback is to deploy the ground game. However, prior to gashing the Carolina Panthers on the ground, the front five was struggling to open running lanes (3.5 YPC).
Beating up on one of the worst teams in the NFL doesn’t erase the concerns facing the Bengals, but it’s a key victory nonetheless. They enter their bye week followed by road games at Pittsburgh and Tennessee; home games vs. Kansas City and Cleveland; and road games at Tampa Bay and New England.
The next 4-6 weeks — however long star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is sidelined with a hip injury — are critical for the Bengals. If Chase is out or not himself for longer than that period of time, the Bengals are doomed. But if they can manage to go 3-3 over that span, they’ll give Chase time to get healthy and back on the field, and keep themselves in striking distance of an AFC playoff berth.
Chase broke out of a quiet four-game stretch to remind the NFL that he is squarely in the ‘best wide receiver in the league’ debate. Tee Higgins is a very good wide receiver in his own right, and Tyler Boyd has enjoyed some big games and moments, but it won’t be enough to unlock opposing defenses down the stretch to even earn a postseason berth, let alone advance deep into the tournament.
Running back Joe Mixon has been putrid this season — his monster performance against the Panthers notwithstanding — the blame of which certainly can’t be placed all on his shoulders. With Chase out for several weeks, it would go a long way to helping the offense stay afloat if they can grind their way to an extra win or two. The off week may provide them the time to identify some elements of their rushing attack they can build on down the stretch.
The Bengals have been solid defensively. Their 20.6 points allowed per game ranks 14th in the league and they’ve recorded 14 sacks and 13 takeaways. It’s difficult to criticize the defense too much when they allowed a combined 62 points in three losses (a combined deficit of eight points in those defeats).
Given the Bengals’ struggles on offense (against teams not named the Panthers), and the indefinite absence of Chase, it’s worth asking ‘can the Bengals defense hit an extra gear for several weeks to bridge the gap?’
Time will tell.
Ohioans willing to take an optimistic view of the situation may consider the state of the 2021 offensive line, which allowed 55 sacks in the regular season alone. They’re on pace to allow more than that this season, which is concerning no matter how you cut it. However, the fact remains that Burrow has overcome the punishment before.
It’s wonderful to have optimism in life and sports fandom. However, there comes a time when realism and pragmatism take center stage.
The reality is, even at full strength, the Bengals have been less than sharp and currently reside two spots out of the postseason picture. And now with Chase sidelined, they’re at significantly less than full strength. In theory, even a .500 stretch over the Bengals’ next six weeks leaves them within striking distance. However, in practice, it does not appear as if the Bengals will finish the job and win Super Bowl 57 in February.
As they say, better luck next year.
