CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2025 season under a microscope. After missing the playoffs despite elite offensive firepower, expectations and pressure are sky-high.
Star Power, High Stakes
Joe Burrow remains the central thrust of Cincinnati’s offense. He led the NFL in passing yards in 2024 and garnered MVP-caliber praise despite the team’s struggles. Ja’Marr Chase—fresh off a rare receiving triple crown—and Tee Higgins round out a top-tier receiving trio, backed by more than $550 million in contracts. Both Chase and Higgins recently secured long-term extensions, solidifying the offense’s core.
Off-season Moves & Defensive Revamp
On defense, changes are extensive. Lou Anarumo is out, and Al Golden takes over as defensive coordinator, tasked with turning around one of the league’s worst units. Safeties Geno Stone and Jordan Battle carry burdens of expectation heading into the season. Key departures include Gregmaids like Sheldon Rankins, Alex Cappa, Germaine Pratt, Zack Moss and Khalil Herbert — while arrivals include Noah Fant, Samaje Perine, Lucas Patrick, and Tedarrell Slaton among others. Stability was found with re-signings of Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase and Mike Gesicki.
Contract Saga: Trey Hendrickson
Defensive end Trey Hendrickson remains a flashpoint. Contract negotiations bogged down over guaranteed money. He initially held out of camp in Florida before reporting to the facility but sitting out drills. His situation clouds the defensive outlook and looms as a possible trade storyline.
Schedule & Key Matchups
The Bengals’ schedule offers both opportunity and challenge. They open with road challenges against Cleveland (Week 1), then Jacksonville and Minnesota. Notable matchups: Thanksgiving night in Baltimore, visits with Buffalo and Miami, divisional wagers with Pittsburgh, and a home stretch finale against Arizona. Strategic bye timing (Week 10) and several primetime slots could work in their favor.
Win Total
Vegas has set the win total at 9.5 games—reflective of optimism but modest caution with big concerns on the defensive side of the ball.
Why This Season Matters
Missing the playoffs two years running isn’t acceptable with a roster this talented. QB-level consistency is established, but the defense must step up or the flaws will again derail them. Expect a better start—preseason patterns reflect an emphasis on starters getting meaningful reps to avoid slow beginnings of past years.
Offense & Defense at a Glance
Offense
- Elite passing attack with Burrow at peak form.
- Explosive trio of Burrow–Chase–Higgins supported by depth at tight end (Fant, Gesicki) and rising RB Chase Brown.
- Offensive line remains a concern—Burrow is often pressured quickly.
Defense
- Transition under Al Golden; secondary and safeties key to improved performance.
- Losses in personnel make Hendrickson’s availability even more critical.
- If the defense can merely be serviceable, the offense could carry them deep—if not, the ceiling falls sharply.
Big Games to Watch
- Week 1 at Cleveland – Must-win opener.
- Thanksgiving vs. Baltimore – Divisional rivalry, national spotlight.
- Prime-time games vs. Miami, Buffalo – Testing grounds for this offense.
- Week 17 vs. Arizona – Potential playoff tune-up.
- These games will shape the narrative: is this the offense’s year or the defense’s Achilles’ heel?
Final Word
This is a make-or-break season for the Bengals. With a transcendent QB, elite WR trio, and expectations mounting, they cannot afford another early slide or defensive meltdown. If the line holds, Hendrickson stays, and Golden’s scheme clicks, playoff resurgence could happen. Otherwise, another high-powered disappointment awaits in Cincinnati.
Recapping the MEAC/SWAC Kickoff.
