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Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Browns odds were listed at Bengals -5, though a few books still held onto the -4 ½ while others, like SBG Global, had increased the line to +5 ½ for Broncos bettors. The betting public was all over the Bengals at an 85 percent clip. Don't be surprised to see this line move up to -6 when all is said and done.
Neither team is expected to perform well in 2009, but one will get off to a fast start at least.
The Bengals defense could be decent this season and they have Carson Palmer back as quarterback. They really have to win this one if they want this season to work in their favor. Seven of Cincinnati's first nine games are against Green Bay, Pittsburgh (twice), Baltimore (twice), Chicago and Houston.
The Broncos, despite a porous defense, should have some confidence coming into this game knowing they have won 10 of the last 12 in this series.
The main concern here, and one of the reasons why this line keeps moving up, is that Denver quarterback Kyle Orton may be out due to a finger injury. If he plays, the injury could still impact his performance.
But then there is Carson Palmer. After missing the final 11 games last year with an elbow injury and sitting out most of the preseason with an ankle ailment, the Bengals star QB has not had much playing time over the past year.
Bottom line is that we simply do not know how either of these teams will play based on questions surrounding quarterback injuries and lack of playing time.
If you dare to bet on this game, SBG Global already has Denver at +5 1/2. This is important because some online sportsbooks still offer Cincinnati at -4 ½ and should they win by 5 points, you will win both bets. The number "5" isn't the best for middling but there is a nominal risk and the payout potential is great should the game be won by Cincinnati by 5 points.
Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
