The NFL Season is nearly upon us. The season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9. Between now and then, we’ll be previewing all 32 NFL Teams along with playoff picks. One team will be previewed each day, beginning with the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks and ending with the New York Jets. Check back each day for the next installment!

The Bengals had a 2025 like many recent seasons—marred by injuries and an inability to stop anyone on defense. Despite rostering Joe Burrow and a couple top-notch receivers, the Bengals won just six games and finished third in the AFC North. Now, they’re the only team in the division to bring the coach back for 2026. Will that give them an edge? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The biggest change for the Bengals came on defense. The team struggled to get Trey Hendrickson under contract and on the field in 2025, and he quickly departed this off-season. He signed with the Ravens, meaning he’ll now face Burrow and the Bengals twice a year. The team also saw veteran Noah Fant move on to the Saints, and backup quarterback Jake Browning sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Bengals didn’t have a First-Round pick, but used their Second-Round selection on Cashius Howell, an edge meant to strengthen the pass rush. Defense was a focus in free agency, too, where the team added Boye Mafe on the defensive line from the Seattle Seahawks and traded for Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants. The hope is the work will improve a defense that has been saggy for a few years. They also added veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and safety Brady Cook.

Fantasy Impact

The only question at quarterback is if Burrow can stay healthy and on the field. It would help if they could consistently protect him, too. But Burrow is a high-end QB1. Behind him, I actually like Flacco as a QB2 streamer if Burrow misses time. In the backfield, Chase Brown was an RB1 in 2025 and will continue to see volume. He’s a low-end RB1 option.

In the passing game, the Bengals have a talented duo in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Even with Burrow missing the bulk of the season Chase was a high-end WR1, while Higgins was a high-end WR2. With Burrow under center, they have the potential to both finish as WR1s. Still, I like Chase as a high-end WR1 and Higgins as a high-end WR2 with upside. I might roster Andrei Iosivas in deeper leagues for depth, but I’m not high on a Bengals’ tight end for fantasy.

Prediction

The Bengals might have the most roster talent in the AFC North. They made a Super Bowl with Burrow, but it feels like a million years ago. Still, I can’t quit on Burrow and the Bengals. I like them to make a run at an AFC North title this 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.