The 2008 season (4-12) for the Cincinnati Bengals was a nightmare without question. The team had very high expectations but were one of the laughing stocks in the NFL.

Carson Palmer was out the majority of the year with an injury - with his departure the Bengals sunk fast. Chad Ocho Cinco became an average wide receiver and faded away as the season continued to move forward.

The team struggled to score points, and simply couldn’t win games. Fans were giving up on them.

Chad Johnson was practically invisible on offense, and TJ Houshmandzadeh was nowhere near his usual output level. Rudi Johnson was all but done, but luckily there was another RB who was able to prove himself once again.

The Bengals play in a very tough, grind it out type division, AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers (defending champs) and Baltimore Ravens. Playing these two teams twice a year is no easy task.

While a division title may be a stretch, those who watch the NFL know that season to season teams change for the better or worse - what you did a season ago doesn’t really matter. For example, take the Miami Dolphins 1-15 in 07′, 11-5 in 08′ winning the AFC East Division.

After a week 1 loss, the Bengals marched into Green Bay with a very impressive victory, doing something the Bears were unable to do in week 1.

Carson Palmer and Chad Ocho Cinco make one of the best QB WR combination in the NFL. If they are on the same page the Bengals may be a playoff contender. Chad’s antics off the field may be tiresome to most, when the Bengals are winning Ocho Cinco seems to be forgiven.

Check out the Cincinnati Bengals message boardss at RootZoo Sports. With the NBA season tipping off, make sure to play their NBA pick ‘em.

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