The Cincinnati Bengals went all-in during the offseason to make sure they are in playoff contention in 2026.
According to a USA Today article, the Bengals are predicted to win the AFC North. Nate Davis from USA Today details why.
“QB Joe Burrow appears ready to go, the defense received significant offseason investment, Zac Taylor is the only head coach in the division who was with his team last year and just two teams have weaker schedules than Cincy’s (opponents with a .450 winning percentage in 2025),” Davis wrote. “Maybe the Bengals aren’t as complete as some of the NFC’s seemingly elite squads. But in what seems to be something of a wide-open AFC, perhaps Cincinnati is just as good a bet to get back to the SoFi Super Bowl stage they shared with the Rams at the end of the 2021 campaign.”
Cincy Addressed Their Defense
A lot of league sources have the Cincinnati Bengals finishing with double digit wins and rightfully so, considering how talented this team is.
A roster so talented, it has had Joe Burrow raving all offseason.
“I think this is the most talented roster that we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Burrow said during a May press conference.
“Got better at a lot of positions. Signed the best free agent safety. Got the best d-tackle in the league, in my opinion,” Burrow said. “We have a lot of depth now in the defensive line. That’s exciting, not just for me, but for those guys, so they don’t have to play as many snaps. We can have more of a rotation.”
In the ultimate gamble, the Bengals traded their 2026 first-round pick to the New York Giants for Dexter Lawrence. Making a move like this proves that Cincy has a lot of faith in Dexter Lawrence to solve their problems in the rushing defense category. The Cincinnati Bengals ranked dead last in rushing defense in 2025.
The Bengals ranked 31st in total defense in 2025 and 32nd in rushing defense, which is dead last. Cincinnati allowed 380.9 yards per game and gave up 60 total touchdowns.
Now or Never For Cincy
Head coach Zac Taylor must make the most of this roster. It’s now or never for the head coach.
In 2024, the Bengals ranked 25th in total defense. They ranked 21st in passing defense and 19th in rushing defense. Cincinnati allowed 25 points per game in 2024 and gave up 348 yards per game to opposing teams.
Nonetheless, the Bengals gain a two-time First Team All-Pro and a two-time Pro Bowl selection. Furthermore, the Cincinnati Bengals signed DT Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $26 million contract worth a maximum of $28 million. Last season with the Vikings, Allen ended up playing in all 17 games. In his only season with the Minnesota Vikings, he racked up 68 total tackles to go along with 3.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.
“They need some things – like for their sublimely talented but often brittle quarterback to stay in the lineup … and for a highly compensated offensive nucleus to deliver the goods … and for what’s been a dreadful defense to elevate to subpar, at minimum. Basically, this is Dallas East,” Davis wrote in the USA Today article.
Bengals Get Bold Prediction for 2026 Season