Cincinnati Bengals Aim to Win AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for the 2026 NFL season with a strong offense led by quarterback Joe Burrow, and a revamped defense. Burrow, 29, is in win-now mode, and his health is crucial to the team's success. If he stays healthy, he has a good chance of winning the MVP award, throwing for over 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns. The Bengals' wide receiver tandem of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is one of the best in the NFL. Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports thinks the Bengals can win the AFC North, citing the team's dynamic trio and improved defense. The Bengals made several moves on the defensive side, including trading for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. And with a ton of new starters on defense, the team is looking to turn things around. But the first five weeks of the season will be crucial, with games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Miami Dolphins. The Bengals need to sweep the Cleveland Browns and split against the Baltimore Ravens to have a chance at winning 11-12 games. So, a strong start is essential for the team's playoff hopes. The Bengals' defense has to be better than it was over the last two seasons, giving up too many points. But with the additions of Lawrence and Boye Mafe, the team is looking to improve. Burrow completed 66.8% of his passes for 1,809 yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions in eight games last season. The Bengals have a good chance of being 3-2 or better after the first five weeks, and if they win 11-12 games, they will probably be at least a three seed in the AFC playoffs. The team's schedule is tough, but with a healthy Burrow and improved defense, they have a chance to make a deep run in the playoffs.