The Cincinnati Bengals were one of the most puzzling teams in the NFL during the 2024 season. Star quarterback Joe Burrow showcased MVP-level performance, ranking fifth in offensive touchdowns, yet the team’s weak defense and poor results in close games led them to miss the playoffs with a 9-8 record. Their troubles began early, suffering a home loss to the New England Patriots and dropping seven of their first eight close contests, including four losses despite scoring 30 points or more. This kind of struggle is almost unheard of.
Looking ahead, the Bengals rely heavily on Burrow and receivers Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown to drive their offense. Burrow and Chase are among the most dangerous QB-WR duos in the league, with Burrow throwing nearly 5,000 yards and 49 touchdowns last year, and Chase contributing over 1,700 yards and 17 scores. Provided they stay healthy, the offense is solid, but if Cincinnati misses the playoffs for the third year in a row, the defense will likely shoulder much of the blame.
The hope lies with new defensive coordinator Al Golden, who previously built Notre Dame’s strong defense during their run to the College Football Playoff National Championship. The Bengals’ defense has some promise, especially with a strong interior line and a probable contract deal with top pass rusher Trey Hendrickson through 2025. Rookie defensive end Shemmer Stewart adding playing time would be a bonus.
A professional bettor describes the Bengals as “very volatile” — their high ceiling depends on quarterback and skill players, but any injuries combined with a worsening defense could mean just a handful of wins. One glaring problem has been Cincinnati’s slow starts under coach Zac Taylor, with the team going 1-11 in their first two games since 2019, winning only once in overtime in 2021. This year’s early schedule includes tough games against Cleveland and Jacksonville.
Despite this, the Bengals possess enough offensive firepower to not be overlooked, and it’s unlikely their recent close-game misfortunes are just bad luck. While they may not yet be on the same level as teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, or Kansas City Chiefs, it’s foolish to rule them out of playoff contention or a deep postseason run with Burrow at the helm.
The recommended bets include Cincinnati winning more than 9.5 games and a long-shot wager on them losing in the AFC Championship game, which could pay off if there’s chaos in the playoff bracket.
Fan Take: This story is significant for NFL fans because it highlights the Bengals’ intriguing mix of elite offensive talent and defensive struggles, setting the stage for a high-stakes season. Their ability to break past past playoff disappointments could bring renewed excitement to the league, showing how one team’s evolution can shift the competitive landscape in the AFC.
