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The Cincinnati Bengals exploded on offense in 2024. They were one of the most dangerous teams in the league. But the defense simply couldn’t stand up. The Bengals dug themselves a 4-8 hole. They were able to win five straight to close the season, but it wasn’t enough to make the playoffs. The team is hoping new Defensive Coordinator Al Golden can get the team back on track in 2025 and make the playoffs. Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Bengals made some changes in the running back room, releasing Zack Moss and seeing Khalil Herbert depart in free agency. The team also lost guard Alex Cappa and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankings. Vonn Bell, the team’s strong safety, remains a free agent as well.

The team brought in some help in the backfield, re-signing Samaje Perine after two seasons away. They also spent a late-round pick on Tahj Boyd. Boyd rushed for 4,557 yards in his college career, including 1,500+ in each of the last two seasons. The Bengals also added free agent tight end Noah Fant in addition to re-signing Mike Gesicki. That gives the Bengals a pair of decent receiving options at tight end.

Fantasy Impact

Offense wasn’t the problem for the Bengals in 2024. Joe Burrow finished as QB3 in 2024. Despite not being a rushing threat, he’s a Top 5 option at quarterback again in 2025. In the backfield, the team struck gold with Chase Brown, who finished as RB10 despite not being a starter at the outset of the season. I like him to finish as an RB1 in 2025.

In the passing game, the biggest thing the Bengals did was re-signing both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. They are perhaps the best receiving duo in the league. Chase finished as WR1 last season while Higgins was WR17 despite missing five games. Higgins averaged more than 18-points-per-game in 2024. They both figure to be big contributors this season. I like Chase as possibly THE WR1 again. I think Higgins could finish as a WR1, but I have him as a high-end WR2. Andrei Iosivas, the team’s WR3, is worth a roster spot and a play if Chase or Higgins misses time. Gesicki is a low-end TE2 for me and Fant is a TE3.

The Bottom Line

The Bengals have all the pieces on offense to be one of the best teams in the league. Can the defense do its part? And can the Bengals get off to a better start? They’re approaching the pre-season better and I think that will pay dividends during the season. I like the Bengals offense and I think they’ll be better in 2025. I think they can compete for a division title and make a strong showing in the post-season.

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.