Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers Line

The Cincinnati Bengals look to bounce back from a disappointing Week 1 loss this Sunday when they take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 action at legendary Lambeau Field. The Bengals are expected to be improved in 2009 with Carson Palmer back under center, but they had trouble finding the end zone in their home opener and were eventually defeated on Denver’s version of the immaculate reception. The Packers are a popular sleeper pick to win the NFC this season. The first team offense was dominant throughout the preseason, but Aaron Rodgers and company never really got it going against the Bears in last week’s Sunday night matchup. Despite being severely outgained by Chicago, Aaron Rodgers came up big when it mattered most, leading the Packers on a game-winning drive in the closing minutes – something he failed to accomplish throughout his first season as starter. The Packers bring in a 3-1 straight up and against the spread run when hosting AFC opponents and they are 3-1 straight up and 4-0 against the spread in their last four meetings with the Bengals. While the Bengals were among the worst teams in the AFC record-wise in 2008, they played good football against the NFC, finishing a perfect 4-0 against the spread versus the tough NFC East division. NFL odds makers have listed the Green Bay Packers as a 9-point favorite with the total set at 42.

With as good as Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packer offense looked in the preseason, most experts did not see what happened Sunday night coming. The Packers were outgained by Chicago by 126 yards and had the ball over six minutes less. Rodgers finished 17 of 28 for 184 and a score but was never really able to find his rhythm because of a fierce Bears pass rush which sacked him four times. The running game was not able to get going either with Chicago holding tailback Ryan Grant to just 61 yards on a 3.8 yards per carry average.  Green Bay will have to perform much better offensively this week if it hopes to cover the spread. Defensively, the team has to be pleased after intercepting Jay Cutler four times and sacking him twice. I don’t expect Carson Palmer and the Bengals to be as stagnant offensively in Week 2 so the secondary will have to be on top of its game once again.

Cincy played very well defensively against Denver in Week 1. If that last second fluke play doesn’t occur, the Bengals only allow 215 yards and six points. This defensive improvement began to show last year so Sunday’s performance came as no surprise. What did come as a surprise was the Bengals’ lack of offensive production. Carson Palmer finished 21 of 33 for 247 yards but was picked off twice and sacked three times without throwing any touchdowns. Chad Ochocinco played pretty well, catching five passes for 89 yards, but the Bengals are definitely going to have to straighten things out offensively if they hope to have a shot on the road this week. It is worth noting that the Packers are 0-4 against the number in their last four home games versus a team with a losing road record.