Cincinnati Bengals 2007 Predictions

Following a tough off-season in which our leading (in the pre-season at least) receiver was suspended for the first eight regular season games, outstanding players (such as Kevin Kaesviharn) were lost to free agency, and no one was drafted who seemingly possesses the ability to make significant immediate impact, my hopes for the 2007 season are tempered. This is especially true considering we also lost an outstanding defensive presence in Kevin Kaesviharn, who led the team in interceptions.

Here's how I believe this disappointing 8-8 season will play out:

• Sep 10, Baltimore Ravens, Loss (by 7).
• Sep 16, at Cleveland Browns, Win (by 12).
• Sep 23, at Seattle Seahawks, Loss (by 14).
• Oct 1, New England Patriots, Loss (by 17).
• Oct 14, Kansas City Chiefs, Win (by 3).
• Oct 21, New York Jets, Win (by 7).
• Oct 28, Pittsburgh Steelers, Loss (by 12).
• Nov 4, at Buffalo Bills, Win (by 12).
• Nov 11, at Baltimore Ravens, Loss (by 4).
• Nov 18, Arizona Cardinals, Win (by 10).
• Nov 25, Tennessee Titans, Loss (by 7).
• Dec 2, at Pittsburgh Steelers, Loss (by 17).
• Dec 9, St. Louis Rams, Loss (by 13).
• Dec 15, at San Francisco 49ers, Win (by 2).
• Dec 23, Cleveland Browns, Win (by 14).
• Dec 30, at Miami Dolphins, Win (by 3).

Hopefully I'm wrong, and the Bengals will make the playoffs, but I don't see it happening. Not until the Bengals draft (or trade for) a pair of quality defensive players (who can stay out of trouble) will this team have a legitimate opportunity to play beyond December.

Little has been done to replace Pollock (lost to injury) and Kaesviharn. Until those impactful defensive players are replaced, all the load falls to Palmer and the Johnsons; that's a heavy load for any trio to bear in the NFL. Only time will tell if the burden is, indeed, too great.