The NFL regular season is a long one, and as we approach the midway mark there are several teams that are still in sports betting contention for a postseason position. Those teams include the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans, two AFC contenders that have started strong despite projections that they would be on the outside looking in come January. For the Bengals and Titans, these are the games that could make the difference when it is all said and done, and if either team is going to make a run at the playoffs then a win this Sunday will be a crucial step in that direction.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennessee Titans
Sunday November 6, 2011 – 4:05 PM ET
LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee
NFL Betting Lines: Tennessee Titans – 2.5
While the 4-3 Titans have benefited from the demise of the Indianapolis Colts to stay within reach of the AFC South lead, the Bengals have found a way to keep pace with both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens at the top of the AFC North at 5-2. A big part of Cincinnati’s success this season is a 3-1 record on the road, something the team will look to build on against a Tennessee team that sports that same record at home.
Bengals Titans Betting Preview: Cincinnati Bengals
Perhaps it is karma that was the biggest factor in the Bengals’ ownership making the decision to move quarterback Carson Palmer rather than leaving him retired, although they did get a nice little package to build their future around in exchange for basically nothing. Rookie quarterback Andy Dalton has done everything asked of him as he continues to make progress in the offense, and he could use a little more help from Cedric Benson and the running game, which ranks 21st in the NFL. This Cincinnati team has gotten by with great defense as they rank in the top-10 against both the run and pass, and that will continue to be the key for them this season.
Bengals Titans Betting Preview: Tennessee Titans
A fast start to their season was dampened by consecutive losses to the Steelers and division rival Houston Texans going in to and coming out of the bye week, the latter which stung the most as the Titans were blown out 41-7 on their own home turf. Tennessee bounced back strong with a 17-10 win over the Colts as Matt Hasselbeck and the air attack made up for a struggling ground game with a strong performance. The Titans will have a much tougher time moving the ball at all this Sunday against a tough Bengals’ defense in order to wrap up a three-game home stand on a positive note.
Bengals Titans Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
Neither of these teams was projected to be a contender in the AFC, but if the Bengals reach 6-2, or Tennessee gets to 5-3 in the AFC South division, either will be in line for a shot at the playoffs. Cincinnati’s defense has returned as one of the best in the NFL, and their offense should be able to do enough to at the least keep this online sports book contest close.
Bengals Titans Betting Pick: Cincinnati Bengals