Cincinnati Bengals Season Preview Ft. Schedule & Super Bowl Expectations + NFL Football Returns

The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2026 season with a familiar goal: turn elite offensive talent into a championship run. After a disappointing 6–11 campaign last year, expectations are much higher in Cincinnati, largely because Joe Burrow returns healthy and the Bengals have dramatically upgraded their defense.

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Burrow remains the centerpiece of the team. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins alongside him, Cincinnati has one of the NFL’s most dangerous passing attacks. If Burrow stays healthy and the offensive line holds up, the Bengals should be capable of scoring against virtually anyone. The biggest question is whether they can consistently complement that offense.

That is where the offseason changes become particularly important. Cincinnati added veteran defensive stars including Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe, giving the defense considerably more experience and firepower. The hope is that this group can prevent the defense from becoming the weakness it has been during recent seasons.

The schedule also provides opportunities. Cincinnati opens at home against Tampa Bay before traveling to Houston and Pittsburgh. Later in the season, the Bengals face Kansas City and Baltimore in marquee games, while also traveling to Madrid to play Atlanta. They finish the regular season with Baltimore at home on New Year’s Eve.

The AFC North remains difficult, particularly with Baltimore expected to challenge for the division. Still, the Bengals have enough star power to contend for the AFC's top seed if everything breaks right.

Prediction: 11–6, AFC North champions. If Burrow stays healthy and the revamped defense lives up to its potential, Cincinnati has a legitimate chance to return to the Super Bowl conversation.

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