Cincinnati Bengals Home Favorite Betting Trend

The Bengals' struggles as home favorites stem from a franchise historically built on exceeding expectations rather than meeting them. Cincinnati has traditionally been a team that performs better in underdog roles, where their players can embrace a chip-on-their-shoulder mentality. When installed as favorites at Paul Brown Stadium, the psychological shift creates pressure to validate the betting market's confidence, often leading to tentative play-calling and execution. Cincinnati's offensive identity under various coaching regimes has relied heavily on explosive plays and momentum swings rather than methodical, clock-controlling drives that home favorites typically employ. This feast-or-famine approach becomes problematic when expected to control games, as early mistakes can spiral into coverage failures even in victories. The team's defensive inconsistencies have also plagued them in favorite roles, struggling to generate the consistent stops needed to maintain comfortable leads. The Bengals' recent form suggests they're learning to handle expectations better, but their historical pattern reveals vulnerability when the public backs them heavily. Smart bettors should be particularly cautious when Cincinnati is favored by more than a field goal at home, especially in divisional matchups where familiarity breeds competitive games regardless of talent disparities. This trend matters most early in seasons when expectations are highest and in primetime games where pressure amplifies.