The Cincinnati Bengals have employed a simple strategy the last few seasons: score more points than the defense can give up. Unfortunately for the Bengals, that task is not as easy as it sounds. Last year the Bengals scored 23.75 points per game, but allowed 24.06 points per game, leading to a 7-9 season. The 2008 Bengals aren’t showing much of a difference in AccuScore simulations. Cincinnati is scoring 22.59 points per game, but allowing 24.38 points per game on defense, which is leading to another 7-9 season.

There is plenty of talent available on the offensive side of the ball. Carson Palmer is completing 63.2 percent of his passes for 3784 yards. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is catching 93 passes for over 1000 yards, while Chad Johnson is playing hurt and still catching for over 900 yards. The running situation raises some questions with the health of Rudi Johnson, and the uncertainty with Kenny Watson and Chris Perry. Both Perry and Watson are running for well over four yards per carry, leaving no worries if Johnson is not healthy.

Once again the defense is the reason for the team’s losing record. According to AccuScore simulations, the Bengals are allowing the second most points this season. They have the 21st ranked rushing defense in simulations, allowing 137 yards per game on the ground. The Bengals are also allowing the fourth most passing yards.

The problem with the defense lies in the weakness of the front seven. Last year Cincinnati was ranked last at getting to the quarterback, with only 22 sacks. They also allowed 118 yards per game on the ground. This year the rushing defense has gotten worse, and the team is having problems getting to the quarterback, ending up last in the NFL in sacks in AccuScore forecasts.

The emergence of the Cleveland Browns has the Bengals finishing third in the AFC North, with just a 11.7 percent chance of winning the division. The Bengals have a 19.1 percent chance of making the playoffs, but find themselves behind teams like the Browns, Jets, Titans, and Broncos for the final wild card spot.