NFL · AFC North · Cincinnati, Ohio, US · Paycor Stadium
For thirty years, the Bengals were the NFL's punchline — and then Joe Burrow arrived, took them to the Super Bowl, and made Cincinnati believe that the long winter was finally over. The franchise's story is one of patience rewarded and potential still unfolding.
Updated March 21, 2026
The Bengals stumbled to a 6-11 record in 2025, a major step back that kept them out of the playoff picture entirely. Despite Joe Burrow's individual talent, Cincinnati could not find consistency on either side of the ball, and the team finished third in the AFC North behind the Steelers and Ravens.
Joe Burrow continued to show he is one of the league's most talented quarterbacks, but the roster around him fell short. The Bengals must find ways to upgrade the supporting cast alongside Ja'Marr Chase, who remains one of the league's best receivers. The 2026 offseason is critical for surrounding Burrow with the pieces needed to contend again.
After reaching the Super Bowl in 2021 and the AFC Championship in 2022, the Bengals have gone backward. Zac Taylor faces mounting pressure to get Cincinnati back to contender status, and a second straight losing season in 2026 could put his tenure in jeopardy.