Bengals Fantasy Projections

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Bengals' fans were forced to endure the kind of disaster last year that made the team the butt of jokes for a decade. However, there's a difference this time around. The Bengals have a proven franchise quarterback who is tough, productive and anxious to prove to the world that he's back to the form that led his team to the playoffs in 2005. Still, the turnover on this team is disconcerting. Key contributors that endeared themselves to Bengals' fans are now long gone. But if the new cream of the crop can put up the kind of numbers projected here, the Bengals got a shot to vastly improve over last year's nosedive.

Carson Palmer

The Bengals' success rides on his arm...and elbow...and knees.
2009 Projection: 285-447; 3,760 YDs; 22 TDs; 14 INT; 27 Sacks

Cedric Benson

He's not Rudi Johnson, but Benson showed he's still a willing player and an effective hard runner with some burst to the second level.
Rushing: 232-908 Yds; 5 TDs; 3 Fumbles lost
Receiving: 25-242 Yds; 1 TD

Laveranues Coles

Coles won't fix the hole in the hearts of Bengals' fans left by the departure of T.J. Houshmandzadeh nor will he provide Carson Palmer with the taller target that Palmer likes to hit. But he will be the team's leading receiver.
78 Rec; 932 Yds; 5 TDs

Chris Henry

Chris Henry has gone a long time for him with no legal woes, which is a definite plus for the team's success in 2009 because Henry is poised to lead the team in TDs catches.
48 Rec; 670 Yds; 8 TDs

Keith Rivers

If he can keep from getting his block knocked off by cheapshot artists, Rivers will lead the team in picks.
5 INTs; 1 Pick Six

Antwan Odom

The Bengals were tied for 2nd worst in the NFL last year with just 17 sacks, but look for Odom to rebound in '09 to lead an improved pass rush.
7 Sacks; 3 FF

Dhani Jones

Dhani is worldwide now and poised to exceed his stellar level of performance last year. He'll lead the team in tackles.
120 Tackles; 2 Ints; 3 Sacks; 4 FF

Rey Maualuga

Exactly how the Sting Rey will be used remains to be seen, but count on him delivering a surplus of tackling fuel that would make the Waterboy proud. He's the team's Rookie of the Year.

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