2025 NFL Preview: Cincinnati Bengals Season Outlook, Schedule & Prediction
2025 CINCINNATI BENGALS SEASON PREVIEW
The Cincinnati Bengals could not find consistency during the 2024 season. It was an 0-3 start for the Bengals that eventually snowballed into 4-7 heading into the bye week. The defense continued to struggle as the Bengals allowed 44 points to the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the bye and lost their eighth game of the year. Cincinnati attempted to make a run for the postseason by winning the final five games of the season but came up just short.
OFFENSE
There is no doubt that the Bengals have one of the league’s best offenses and that will be the case once again.
There were league leaders all over the field. Joe Burrow was an MVP candidate throwing for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase led the league with 127 catches for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns. Tee Higgins added 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Bengals were able to keep the trio together long term by paying both receivers. Chase received a historic contract for receivers overall while Higgins has become the highest-paid WR2 in league history. The pass catchers remain the same as last season as Mike Gesicki was also brought back.
In the backfield, Chase Brown only bolsters the skill positions. As a rookie, Brown took over as the starting back and ran with the job. He will be the top back, who can act as a receiver out of the backfield as well, this season.
If there is a negative about the offense, it is the interior of the offensive line. The Bengals have multiple players who can start inside but none have run away with the job. Cody Ford and Lucas Patrick are in the mix along with Dylan Fairchild.
The tackles are in a better position with Orlando Brown and Amarius Mims.
DEFENSE
As good as the offense was in 2024, Cincinnati finished around .500 because of its putrid defense.
The positive defensively is that Trey Hendrickson will return for 2024. The Bengals were able to come to terms with their star pass rusher for one year, giving him a $14 million raise before he enters free agency next year. Hendrickson led the league with 17.5 sacks last season.
Sam Hubbard announced his retirement and this means first-round pick Shamar Stewart will have to step up and be productive on the edge. He will join Joseph Ossai, who finished with 5.5 sacks last season.
The Bengals added rookies Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson to the interior after a disastrous season at defensive tackle. The Bengals did not get anything in terms of pass rushing from the interior. B.J. Hill acted as a run stuffer as a big body on the inside.
In the secondary, D.J. Turner missed time last season and this was a big impact. Cam Taylor-Britt and Dax Hill attempted to make up for losses and compete on the outside.
The Bengals are strongest in the middle of the defense. The linebackers got a boost by adding rookie Demetrius Knight Jr. He adds depth behind Logan Wilson.
SCHEDULE
Week 1: at Cleveland Browns
Week 2: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings
Week 4: at Denver Broncos (Monday Night)
Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions
Week 6: at Green Bay Packers
Week 7: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Thursday Night)
Week 8: vs. New York Jets
Week 9: vs. Chicago Bears
Week 10: BYE WEEK
Week 11: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 12: vs. New England Patriots
Week 13: at Baltimore Ravens (Thursday Night)
Week 14: at Buffalo Bills
Week 15: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Week 16: at Miami Dolphins
Week 17: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week 18: v. Cleveland Browns
Record Prediction: 9-8