The 2023 NFL Season is here, and the Music City Drive In is getting you ready. Check back each day from now until September 3 as we look at each team and make award and playoff predictions. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments.

The Bengals came off a season in which they reached the Super Bowl looking to go further in 2022. They were again one of the best teams in the AFC, winning the AFC North and earning a high seed in the playoffs. After dispatching with the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo, the Bengals’ luck against the Chiefs finally ran out in the AFC Championship, as they narrowly missed a chance to return to the Super Bowl. Heading into 2023, they are once again looking like a contending team.

Off-Season Changes

The Bengals saw a number of players leave, impacting the secondary and the offense. In the secondary, safeties Vonn Bell (Panthers) and Jessie Bates (Falcons) both left via free agency. So, too, did corners Trey Flowers (Falcons) and Eli Apple (Dolphins). That leaves some holes to be filled. The same is true on offense, too. Tight end Hayden Hurst moved on to the Panthers, while running back Samaje Perine signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals used free agency to reload, too. They snagged tackle Orlando Brown from the Chiefs and plucked tight end Irv Smith, Jr., from the Vikings. In the draft, the Bengals added another receiver in Charlie Jones and snagged running back Chase Brown to add depth in the backfield. Brown rushed for 2,648 yards and 15 touchdowns in the last two years with Illinois.

The Bengals also loaded up on defense in the draft. The team added a pass rusher in Myles Murphy in the First Round. The Bengals then added some secondary pieces, snagged a corner in D.J. Turner and a safety in Jordan Battle.

Fantasy Impact

The Bengals have one of the most fantasy-rich offenses in the league, starting with quarterback Joe Burrow. He was QB4 in 2022. He’s dealing with a calf strain currently, but I expect him back when the games that count begin. And I expect to see another top-end QB1 season for the Bengals’ signal caller.

In the backfield, Joe Mixon has possibly even less competition for touches than last season. In 2022, he rushed for 814 yards and seven touchdowns, catching 60 passes for 441 yards and two more touchdowns. He finished as RB10. Brown is an interesting prospect, but he feels like more of a stash at this point. Treyveon Williams is also in the mix to get some touches. But Mixon is the back you want, likely as an RB1.

In the passing game, Ja’Marr Chase is one of the league’s best. He’s a solid WR1, while Tee Higgins is a WR2. Both are great options in re-draft and dynasty. One of the most under-rated values is veteran receiver Tyler Boyd. He’s going as WR56 after finishing as WR34 a year ago. I like him as a WR4 with upside. The biggest question is at tight end. Smith has some upside, but he’s a low-end TE2 at best for me.

Prediction

The Bengals have been in back-to-back AFC Championship games. They have an incredibly talented offense and I think they’ll be able to overcome the personnel changes on defense. I like them to win the AFC North again and I think they are a leading contender to make it back to the Super Bowl.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.