The Cincinnati Bengals have won 22 games over the last two seasons according to Statmuse. Cincinnati enters 2023 as one of the best teams in the AFC.
The Bengals look to win their first Super Bowl since becoming a team in 1968.
Cincinnati has gotten close to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy and celebrating with its fans. Cincinnati suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021-22 Super Bowl. They also suffered a close loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2022-23 AFC Championship game.
The Cincinnati Bengals need to win it all in 2023. I will highlight the reasons why the Bengals need to win in 2023.
Contracts
According to Over The Cap, Cincinnati has $14 million in cap space which ranks 12th in the NFL. Core players Joe Burrow, Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins haven’t signed their second contract. Burrow is in line to become the highest-paid player in the NFL. Chase and Higgins will make $20 million a year because of the wide receiver market.
Once new contracts are signed it gets harder to stay competitive. The Bengals have had success with some of the best-skill players in the NFL. Winning a Super Bowl with the Bengals’ talented roster is necessary. Players leave and teams change because of the salary cap. The time is now for the Bengals to win.
Opposing AFC Teams
The AFC is a juggernaut, and the Bengals must compete with other teams. The Bengals are the new threats in the conference. However, that doesn’t mean they will always compete for a championship. The Kansas City Chiefs have controlled the AFC and have two Super Bowl rings. The Los Angeles Chargers and Jacksonville Jaguars have made the playoffs.
The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens also pose threats to Cincinnati. Buffalo has playoff experience and an experienced coaching staff. Baltimore is a respected organization that knows Cincinnati.
The AFC will continue to get stronger. Cincinnati needs to capitalize while their opponents get themselves together.
