They have missed the playoffs for three consecutive years, but some analysts like Orlovsky think they can make it all the way to the final game.
With the NFL releasing the schedules for all 32 teams in the 2026 season, many fans and analysts are buying stock in the Cincinnati Bengals. After a three-year playoff drought, general manager Duke Tobin has revamped this team to have a much-improved defense, the greatest factor in the Bengals’ continued lack of success.
Possessing the third-easiest strength of schedule in the NFL this season, the Bengals are poised to not only win the AFC North for the first time since 2022, but also win their first playoff game since their last trip to the AFC Championship Game. Assuming superstar quarterback Joe Burrow can return to sufficient health this season, the Bengals’ offense should contend for the best in the league this season, especially with an improved offensive line featuring the same five starters from 2025.
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor | © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesIt’s extremely rare for a team to miss the playoffs several years in a row, but many people believe this Bengals team is capable of doing something special this year. That has much to do with the core of Burrow, his head coach, Zac Taylor, and superstar wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. These four had the greatest impact on the franchise’s ability to go to the Super Bowl in 2021, and that experience has led people to believe they are capable of making a second appearance together.
One notable analyst riding Cincinnati’s train this season is former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky. On set for “NFL on ESPN”, the 12-year veteran included the Bengals in his Super Bowl prediction.
“My May prediction: we’re gonna rerun five or six years ago, Cincinnati [vs.] LA,” said Orlovsky. “I feel passionate about the Cincinnati Bengals. This offensive line is going through slightly improved, this offense is gonna push scoring 30+ points [per game], Joe [Burrow] stays healthy.”
The Bengals have been a polarizing team for years, having several of the best players in their positions, but lacking team success. There may not be anyone who could have predicted Cincinnati to miss the playoffs for three straight seasons after making back-to-back AFC Championship appearances.
Regardless of their odds to succeed this year, there are simply no guarantees. Starting with their division rival, the Baltimore Ravens, there is a real chance the Bengals still don’t win the AFC North. After taking 2024 NFL Sack Leader Trey Hendrickson from Cincinnati, the Ravens are ready to run it back with their former two-time MVP quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) | © Joseph Maiorana-Imagn ImagesIn the rest of the conference, the reigning playoff teams are not set to slow down this season. The Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Jacksonville Jaguars all expect to improve with their young cores. The Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Ravens all expect to contend with their MVP-winning quarterbacks. Finally, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Los Angeles Chargers all expect to make the playoffs, so the competition is far from scarce throughout the AFC.
