Three Cincinnati Bengals Facing the Most Pressure in 2026

Every NFL season brings new opportunities, and with them comes an increase in the stakes for players with something to prove. The Cincinnati Bengals haven't reached the postseason since their run to the AFC Championship Game following the 2022 season. After three consecutive years without a playoff appearance, expectations are sky-high entering 2026.

With Zac Taylor also facing pressure to succeed, several players face added pressure to help Cincinnati get back into contention.

Honorable Mention: Amarius Mims

Mims enters his third NFL season with significantly higher expectations after showing flashes of his potential last year. He was drafted to become a cornerstone of the offensive line and stepped up in a big way in 2025. With another full offseason of development, the Bengals need him to take the next step and establish himself as a reliable right tackle for the offense to reach its ceiling.

3. Joe Burrow

Burrow could be higher on this list, but he has already shown what the Bengals can be when he is fully healthy. He is one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks, but the pressure surrounding him now centers on delivering results rather than proving himself. He has some of the best weapons in the league around him, and the expectation is not only for the team to make the playoffs but also compete for a Super Bowl. After three consecutive seasons without a postseason appearance, Burrow will once again be expected to stay healthy and lead the franchise back into championship contention.

2. Orlando Brown Jr.

Brown has been a dependable starter since arriving in Cincinnati, but his lucrative contract and importance to the offense bring added expectations. He is tasked with anchoring an offensive line that has struggled with consistency in recent years, and his veteran presence needs to make an impact. He has said the Bengals will have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL this year, and he will need to provide the leadership and stability necessary to keep the franchise quarterback clean and healthy.

1. Myles Murphy

The player facing arguably the most pressure entering the season is Murphy. He not only needs to help fill the void left by Trey Hendrickson's departure but also show he can perform at the highest level. He has yet to establish himself as a full-time starter, and with a crowded defensive end room entering training camp, his window is beginning to close. He needs to embrace the increased competition and prove he can become the impact pass rusher Cincinnati envisioned when it drafted him in the first round three years ago.