While the Cincinnati Bengals were a fairly disappointing organization in 2023, there is no doubt that this team is loaded with talent. Obviously it starts at the quarterback position as Joe Burrow has become one of the most dominant players in the entire NFL. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, Burrow suffered a season-ending injury to his wrist in Week 11 of last year that completely crippled the playoff hopes in Cincinnati. While last year might be the lowest the team will go under the leadership of Burrow, there is certainly plenty to look forward to with this young roster.
Bengals Open as Third Favorite in AFC to Go to Super Bowl in 2025
Even after failing to make the playoffs in 2023, the Cincinnati Bengals have been selected as the third favorite team (fifth total) to win the Super Bowl next season with +1200 odds of pulling off the NFL championship. While a lot of skeptics look at this elite class of departing free agents and the struggling defense this season as major hinderances, there is a lot to be excited about with each group.
Last season, Cincinnati started two rookies and two second year players in the secondary and the team struggled to a weak record on the defensive side of the ball. While the team (classic of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo) was still excellent in key situations such as third down and in the redzone, the team was the second worst defense in the league in terms of total yardage. A lot of that came down to a simple struggle to make tackles last year and I have confidence that a coach with Anarumo’s pedigree will be able to resolve that in the offseason.
Another huge advantage Cincinnati is going to have is that presumably they are going to trade out Jonah Williams for either a top notch rookie or an improved player in free agency. Williams has struggled to live up to his first round hype when he was selected with the eleventh overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama.
This will also provide more time for both the development of guard Cordell Volson and another year for the offensive line to harmonize. The unit did show signs of improvement last year and another year with the same group for the most part will improve communication between the unit. Improved communication at the offensive line position means the team will be better at picking up stunts and fewer plays will be foiled in the backfield.
While Cincinnati has reason to be excited with this news, the two teams ahead of them in the AFC are rivals Buffalo (+550) and divisional rival Baltimore (+950). The Ravens have done a tremendous job putting together a physical team and it will take a tremendous offseason in Cincinnati to knock off the defending divisional champions. While it is a tall order, it is certainly possible for the Queen City to return to their second Super Bowl in four years.
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