The 2008-09 season wasn’t the Cincinnati Bengals best, and they ended up in 3rd place in the AFC North. That was due in a large part to the elbow injury that kept quarterback Carson Palmer out for most of the season, but he’s starting the 2009-2010 season healed and ready to go. Though wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s departure was a blow to the offense, Laveranues Coles is prepared to take his place, with Chris Henry and tight end Chase Coffman there to help him out. With a “sneaky-good” defense (ranked 12th last season despite the problems with the offense) to back up the solid offense, the Bengals are hoping for a return to the playoffs (a trip they haven’t made since 2005), and they have a real shot at it this season. The team will need plenty of support from loyal fans though, so get your Paul Brown Stadium tickets and cheer the Bengals on to victory!

Some Cincinnati Bengals history: The Bengals joined the American Football League (AFL) as an expansion team in 1968. Organized by Paul Brown, a coach who had won three NFL titles with the Cleveland Browns during the 1950s, the Bengals' first season featured rookie of the year Paul Robinson leading the AFL in rushing.