The Cincinnati Bengals enter the season under significant pressure after a 6–11 campaign left them bottom of the AFC North, with injuries to Joe Burrow and a weak defence undermining their playoff hopes. Head coach Zac Taylor’s position is under scrutiny, and the team’s prospects may depend on whether its rebuilt defence can support Burrow during what is seen as his Super Bowl window.

Cincinnati traded for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and added Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger, while losing Trey Hendrickson and several other defenders. The offence retains Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but concerns remain over the offensive line, ranked 20th by PFF, and Burrow’s durability; the article notes betting odds of +184 for the Bengals to win the division.