Cincinnati Bengals
· 2026-06-25
The Cincinnati Bengals are entering the 2026 NFL season with one of the widest ranges of season outcomes in the NFL, currently standing 16th in the American Football Conference with a 3-14 record, on a L2 streak.
The Bengals still have Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, giving them a strong offensive core.
Their last three seasons have shown how quickly expectations can collapse when injuries and defensive problems hit at the same time.
CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan recently laid out the best- and worst-case scenarios for every team, and Cincinnati's outlook came down to two factors: health and defense.
The Bengals' season could swing in either direction, with their offense keeping them in the Super Bowl conversation if everyone stays healthy.
The Bengals will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on 2026-09-13, a game that could set the tone for their season.
And with their busy offseason, the Bengals have risen their floor, but how high is their ceiling?
But their defense needs improvement, and injuries could still derail their season.
So the Bengals will need to stay healthy and improve their defense to reach their full potential.
The Bengals have a wide range of possible outcomes, from a Super Bowl run to a disappointing season.
Their next game will be a key test of their abilities, and could give a glimpse into their future.
The Bengals are currently on a L2 streak, and will need to turn things around quickly to stay in contention.
With Joe Burrow at the helm, the Bengals have a strong leader, but they will need to support him with a solid defense.
The Bengals' offense is potent, but their defense is a question mark, and will need to improve for them to succeed.
Their upcoming game against the Buccaneers will be a key challenge, and could help determine their season's trajectory.
The Bengals have the talent to succeed, but will need to put it all together to reach their goals.