🏈 Cincinnati Bengals 2025 Season Preview: Burrow, Chase, and a Playoff Push

The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2025 season with one of the NFL’s most dangerous passing attacks, led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, but face big questions on the offensive line and defense as they aim to return to playoff contention.

🚀 Offensive Strengths

• Joe Burrow is coming off another top-tier season, finishing near the top of the league in passing yards and touchdowns. He’s projected to lead the league in pass attempts, yards, and touchdowns in 2025.

• Ja’Marr Chase is firmly established as a top WR1 after winning the receiving triple crown in 2024.

• Tee Higgins remains a strong WR2 option, giving Burrow one of the NFL’s most lethal duos.

• Chase Brown is emerging as the Bengals’ lead back, poised for a breakout season with over 1,500 scrimmage yards in his sights.

• Mike Gesicki adds a new weapon at tight end, expected to see career-high usage.

🔑 Concern: The offensive line remains a weak point, with low PFF grades and an unsettled right guard position that could put Burrow under pressure.

🛡️ Defensive Challenges

The Bengals’ defense has been a major concern in recent years:

• Ranked near the bottom of the league in points allowed, with weaknesses in both run defense and pass rush.

• New DC Al Golden emphasizes fundamentals: tackling, effort, and turnovers.

• The return of Trey Hendrickson provides a strong edge presence, but depth and health across the unit remain question marks.

Defensive growth will decide whether Cincinnati can make a serious playoff run.

📈 Team Expectations & Predictions

It’s playoffs or bust for the Bengals.

• Analysts project Burrow’s best season yet and expect the offense to carry the team.

• If the defense improves even slightly, Cincinnati could reach double-digit wins and return to the Divisional Round.

• Concerns about O-line performance and defensive depth temper expectations but don’t diminish their explosive upside.

🎯 Fantasy Football Outlook

• Joe Burrow: QB5 in rankings — elite passing volume and weapons.

• Ja’Marr Chase: Consensus WR1 — elite, every-week fantasy star.

• Tee Higgins: Strong WR2 upside but slight injury risk.

• Chase Brown: RB3/4 sleeper with breakout potential.

• Mike Gesicki: Late-round TE target with red-zone appeal.

🏆 Season Summary

The Bengals’ path to success hinges on offensive dominance and defensive growth. If Burrow stays healthy and the line holds; Cincinnati’s offense could rival any in the league. With even modest defensive improvement, this is a team capable of 10+ wins and a deep playoff run.

📌 Bottom Line: Cincinnati is all-in on Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. If the supporting cast delivers, the Bengals could be back in the AFC Championship conversation.