CINCINNATI — The beginning of the season for the Bengals unfolded far from their expectations, leaving them grappling with setbacks and challenges that have defined their journey thus far. Each passing week has felt like a struggle for survival, as their quarterback has repeatedly emphasized the pressing need for victory in multiple press conferences, even before November’s arrival.
With a hopeful gaze towards January, the Bengals find themselves at a pivotal juncture, holding a record of 4-5 and teetering just outside the competitive landscape of the AFC playoff picture. The second half of the season awaits them, shrouded in uncertainty yet rich with potential.
The Bengals possess an offense with the capability to dominate their opponents, led by a quarterback performing at an elite level and supported by one of the league’s top receiver duos. However, their defense has displayed inconsistency, at times appearing to be among the league’s worst, struggling with young players stepping into critical roles and an injured reserve list that continues to grow with key contributors sidelined.
This scenario sets the stage for an intense two-month stretch, wherein Joe Burrow could very well steer the team back into playoff contention, asserting themselves as a formidable opponent that no division winner would relish seeing in the first round. Conversely, if they falter, they could find themselves in the running for a top-10 draft pick, marking their first such opportunity since selecting Ja’Marr Chase in 2021.
Here are my predictions.
Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson finish 1-2 for MVP
Even with a challenging season start, voters may still recognize Joe Burrow’s impressive statistics when the dust settles. He currently holds the top ranking in QBR within the league and is on track to post figures seldom seen in NFL history.
Burrow is projected to finish with an impressive 4,239 passing yards, 38 touchdown passes, only seven interceptions, and a completion rate of 70 percent. Only one quarterback in NFL history, Aaron Rodgers during his 2020 MVP campaign, has achieved all these milestones.
Lamar Jackson, should he maintain or even exceed Burrow’s pace with a completion percentage of 68.3 percent, could also contend for the MVP title. As it stands, Jackson would likely be the league’s MVP if the award were conferred today, adding increasing intrigue to the upcoming Bengals-Ravens matchup.
If Cincinnati can remain competitive behind Burrow’s extraordinary performance through the season’s end, his inclusion in the MVP conversation would become increasingly compelling, especially considering the SEC playoff picture’s dynamics. Maintaining this performance level, however, will pose challenges, especially with defenses such as the Commanders, Panthers, and Ravens already behind them. The second half presents tougher matchups, with four games against teams ranking among the top three in points allowed per drive: Steelers (twice), Chargers, and Broncos.
Burrow has historically excelled in the latter part of the season, often overcoming escalating difficulties. Most of his key statistics reflect significantly enhanced performance in the December/January timeframe.
Maintaining his exceptional pace is feasible if Chase and Tee Higgins can avoid injury and continue contributing. His path to MVP status hinges on the Bengals’ resurgence as a competitive force within the league. A turnaround in their AFC North standings, coupled with impressive victories as the season unfolds, will favor his candidacy, particularly with at least four more primetime opportunities on the horizon for him to make a lasting impression on voters.
Bengals defense will rank in top half over the final 8 games
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and his unit have faced significant criticism during the first half of the season, especially after less-than-stellar performances that left a lasting mark. Despite the arduous task of reconstruction looming for the offseason, the second half of the season offers matchups against teams reminiscent of the Browns, Raiders, Panthers, and Giants—adversaries that the Bengals’ defense has previously handled effectively.
No opposing team left on the Bengals’ schedule, post-Thursday, boasts a ranking in the top half of the league in offensive DVOA. Therefore, the Bengals defense does not need to make dramatic improvements for them to ascend the rankings.
Consider the stark contrasts in defensive statistics when matching up against offensive rivals in different tiers:
Stat: Vs. Top/Vs. Bottom
Points/game: 35.5 / 17.0
Points/drive: 3.58 / 1.37
Def Success%: 44.4% / 54.9%
Opp ANY/A: 9.18 / 4.17
Record: 0-4 / 4-1
Achieving defensive performance close to the figures seen in scenarios against less challenging opponents would elevate them into the top five rankings in the league, not merely the upper half. Such sustainability isn’t anticipated, but the caliber of their opponents presents an opportunity for solid defensive metrics.
Bengals will make postseason if they beat Chargers and Broncos
Given the Bengals’ performance thus far and the upcoming schedule, two high-stakes battles stand out as pivotal for their playoff hopes.
They should be well-positioned to secure victories against struggling teams like the Titans, Browns, and Cowboys, all of which have faced disappointing quarterback play this season.
Realistically, contending for the AFC North title seems unlikely, leaving the organization to aim for a sixth or seventh wild card playoff spot. Securing 10, possibly nine wins, will likely be necessary to attain postseason aspirations.
The Colts, Broncos, and Chargers present significant competition alongside the Bengals for postseason positioning. The upcoming away game against Los Angeles on November 17, followed by a home matchup against Denver in late December, could prove critical. Should the Steelers falter amidst a challenging second-half schedule, the Bengals need to split their two games against them while also claiming victories against the Chargers and Broncos for pivotal tiebreakers.
Every game carries significance; however, those two games should be highlighted.
Tee Higgins offers an emotional farewell before final game
As Tee Higgins approaches the end of his tenure with the Bengals, the emotional weight of his impending departure is palpable for him and the entire organization. He is currently playing under a $21.8 million franchise tag, fully aware that he will enter free agency come March, seeking a new opportunity with another team.
The realities of the NFL’s business, particularly within the Bengals’ framework, have been an eye-opening experience for him, yet those complexities won’t shield him from the emotional impact his final game in Cincinnati will hold when January arrives.
Higgins has openly expressed his surprise at the deep connection he’s forged with the city and its fans, whose enthusiastic shouts of “Teee!” resonate after each of his catches. The discourse surrounding his potential contract has been a hot topic for years, but his popularity within this fanbase remains unwavering. With his departure akin to that of Jessie Bates two years prior, watching Higgins leave will be a poignant moment. Initially, he might struggle with the farewell, and it’s anticipated that his parting comments will tug at the heartstrings of many.
Bengals add a running back at the trade deadline
This prediction offers a timeline that will reveal its truth swiftly.
While the team explores potential trade opportunities for bolstering their defensive line and cornerback positions, progress remains limited largely due to the young talent they believe in stepping up. With Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai positioned behind starters Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard, they remain hopeful, with prospects like fifth-round pick Josh Newton providing depth behind Mike Hilton, DJ Turner, and Cam Taylor-Britt.
However, recent developments at running back have escalated their urgency to find a solid complement. Zack Moss’s significant neck injury has raised concerns about his availability, thereby increasing the risk of over-relying on Chase Brown for an unsustainable 20-plus carries per game, much like they did against the Raiders.
With Trayveon Williams not being a desirable candidate for a larger workload and practice squad member Kendall Milton standing as the only other alternative, the Bengals now actively seek trades in an arena where they have historically struggled to finalize deals—prompted now by a pressing need.
Notable running backs being considered in trade discussions include Khalil Herbert from Chicago, Travis Etienne from Jacksonville, and Miles Sanders from Carolina. While Brown has demonstrated adequate ability during his time at Illinois, the Bengals would undoubtedly prefer acquiring another back to reinforce their position amid Moss’s uncertain recovery.
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**Interview with Sports Analyst Jordan Davis on the Bengals’ Season Progress and Future Outlook**
**Editor:** Welcome, Jordan. It’s great to have you here today. The Bengals have had a rough start to the season. What are your thoughts on their current situation at 4-5 and their playoff prospects?
**Jordan Davis:** Thanks for having me! The Bengals find themselves at a critical juncture. With a record of 4-5, they need to win crucial upcoming games to keep their playoff hopes alive. They’re sitting just outside the AFC playoff picture, so every week is essentially a must-win from here on out, especially with their challenging schedule ahead.
**Editor:** Exactly. The Bengals have an impressive offensive lineup led by Joe Burrow. How crucial is his performance for the team’s potential success in the second half of the season?
**Jordan Davis:** Joe Burrow’s performance is absolutely pivotal. He’s currently ranking at the top in QBR and is on track for a historic season statistically. If he can maintain that level of play and if key players like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins stay healthy, the Bengals can become a major threat. However, it’s a double-edged sword because the defense will need to step up as well, given their inconsistencies thus far.
**Editor:** Speaking of defense, they’ve faced criticism recently. Do you think defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo can turn things around in time for the playoffs?
**Jordan Davis:** There’s potential for improvement, especially with a schedule that includes teams whose offenses rank in the bottom half. If they can replicate the defensive metrics they’ve achieved against weaker opponents, they could certainly rise in the rankings. It’s about capitalizing on matchups, and they have opportunities to perform better in the second half.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, which games do you believe are critical for their playoff chances?
**Jordan Davis:** The upcoming matchups against the Chargers and Broncos are key. Winning those two would significantly bolster their playoff chances, especially with the competition from other teams like the Colts and Steelers. If they can secure those victories, alongside some wins against struggling teams like the Browns and Titans, they could realistically aim for a wild card spot.
**Editor:** There are also emotional elements at play, especially with Tee Higgins possibly departing the franchise. What impact do you think that has on the team?
**Jordan Davis:** That’s a huge aspect. Tee Higgins is not just a talented player; he’s a fan favorite who’s forged a strong connection with the city. His impending departure will weigh heavily on the team and fanbase. If this is indeed his last season with the Bengals, there’s going to be an emotional surge from players and fans alike, especially if he delivers standout performances in these final games.
**Editor:** Lastly, any predictions on how the season will ultimately play out for the Bengals?
**Jordan Davis:** It’s tough to predict, especially with how unpredictable the NFL can be. However, if Burrow stays healthy and the defense can find some consistency, I could see them making a push for the playoffs. A finish at 9-10 wins is within reach, but they have to seize every opportunity in these upcoming weeks. It’ll certainly be an exciting finish to the season.
**Editor:** Thanks, Jordan, for your insights! We’ll be watching closely as the Bengals tackle this pivotal stretch of their season.
**Jordan Davis:** My pleasure! Excited to see how it all unfolds.
