The market is betting against Cincinnati despite analysts' optimism, with Bengals worst-record odds surging to 34¢ from just 2¢ (+32¢). This contrasts sharply with expert analysis: oddsmakers project the Bengals to finish over 9.5 wins based on "an easier defensive schedule in 2026" and facing "the league's third-easiest schedule". The team is coming off a disappointing 6-11 season, their worst since 2020, despite having franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. The market appears to be pricing in concerns about organizational dysfunction and defensive struggles that plagued 2025, suggesting even favorable scheduling can't overcome deeper structural problems. This divergence between expert projections and market sentiment signals either a contrarian opportunity or insider knowledge of continued struggles.