The 2024 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. The season kicks off on Thursday, September 5 and every day through Monday, September 2 we’ll be going team-by-team as we preview the new season. Be sure to come back here every afternoon as we look at a new team and get your ready for the 2024 season. We’ll cover off-season changes, the fantasy prospects, and the prediction for how the team will fare this season.

The Bengals came into the 2023 season with playoff hopes but it went downhill quickly. Joe Burrow was hampered with a leg injury that slowed him to start the season and was knocked out for good after 10 starts thanks to a wrist injury. The Bengals continued to fight, actually finishing the season 9-8. But the team finished fourth in the AFC North and missed the playoffs. With Burrow healthy and the team re-loaded, the Bengals are looking to change that narrative in 2024. Let’s preview the Bengals’ season.

Off-Season Changes

The Bengals bid farewell to a couple veterans on offense this off-season as running back Joe Mixon signed with the Houston Texans and wide receiver Tyler Boyd followed former Offensive Coordinator Brian Callahan to the Tennessee Titans. The Bengals also lost right tack Elijah Williams, tight end Irv Smith, defensive tackle D.J. Reeder, and safety Nick Scott. But the team re-loaded with some veterans, adding safeties Vonn Bell and Geno Stone, along with defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins.

On offense, the team brought in tight end Mike Gesicki, who spent 2023 with the Patriots. They also added a potential starting running back in Zack Moss, who was with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023. He started the season strong for the Colts, leading the backfield with Jonathan Taylor out. He finished as RB31, rushing for 794 yards and five touchdowns.

In the draft, the Bengals took care of the trenches. They spent a First-Round pick on offensive tackle Amarius Mims, while they spent a Second-Round selection on defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. In the Third Round the Bengals snagged another wide receiver in Jermaine Burton. At Alabama he caught 79 passes for 1,475 yards and 15 touchdowns the past two seasons.

Fantasy Prospects

The Bengals hope to have Burrow back and healthy for 2024. In 10 games last season he threw for 2,309 yards and 15 touchdowns. But in the two previous seasons he threw for more than 4,400 yards and 30 touchdowns. If he returns to form as expected he’s easily a QB1 again in 2024.

In the backfield, Moss figures to lead a committee that also includes second year back Chase Brown. Brown looked explosive at times down the stretch for the Bengals but only rushed for 179 yards on 44 carries. Moss is the more experienced back and has shown an ability to carry a big workload. I like him as an RB2, while Brown finishes as an RB4/Flex option.

Among receivers, the team still has Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Higgins wants a new contract and is playing on the Franchise Tag in 2024, but I suspect he’ll be motivated to play well. Despite uneven offensive play in 2023, Chase was still WR11. I think Chase is a Top 5 option at receiver with Burrow back healthy, and I like Higgins as a WR2. Burton is an interesting dynasty stash but I’m not trusting him week-to-week for re-draft. I’m also not trusting Gesicki or any other tight end until we see them do something.

Prediction

Every year we get a team that goes from last place to first place in its division. Technically, that was the Ravens in 2023. This year, that should be the Bengals. Before injuries derailed things, I thought the Bengals were the favorites in the AFC North last year. I like them to win the division in 2024 and make a playoff run.

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.