ClutchPoints
The Cincinnati Bengals have lived on the edge the past two seasons. They have tried to balance one of the league’s most explosive offenses with a defense that too often left them vulnerable. In 2025, the stakes feel even higher. Joe Burrow is healthy, the weapons are in place, and expectations are lofty. The same questions remain, though. Can the defense hold up its end of the bargain, and can this roster finally capitalize on its offensive firepower to make a playoff push? With uncertainty surrounding key defenders and a new scheme still finding its footing, the Bengals enter the season as one of the AFC’s biggest wild cards.
The Bengals wrapped up their 2025 preseason with a loss to the Indianapolis Colts, following an earlier win over the Washington Commanders. The defeat carried added consequences, as wide receiver Jermaine Burton and safety Daijahn Anthony both went down with injuries. With Burrow and his playmakers expected to generate plenty of points, the real question is whether the defense can hold up. That unit will likely determine if Cincinnati falls short of the playoffs again or pushes into double-digit wins.
Defensively, the situation is far from settled. Rookie first-round pick Shemar Stewart lost valuable development time during a prolonged holdout. Cornerback Dax Hill is working his way back from a torn ACL, while veteran nickelback Mike Hilton departed for Miami in free agency. These absences and uncertainties leave new defensive coordinator Al Golden with plenty to sort out. At least All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is back, fresh off reportedly getting a $14 million raise. With Hendrickson back to anchor the pass rush, the Bengals should avoid slipping into bottom-tier territory in both scoring and total defense. How quickly this group comes together may ultimately decide Cincinnati’s postseason fate.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the three bold predictions for the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2025 NFL season.
Burrow has already built a reputation as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks. However, 2025 could be the season that cements his peak. Burrow himself has said he feels he’s throwing the ball better than ever. That’s a claim that carries weight when considering the supporting cast around him. With Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas forming one of the league’s most dangerous receiving corps, there’s little doubt Burrow has the weapons to post career-best numbers.
What makes this year different is continuity. The Bengals’ offense finished in the top five in nearly every major category last season. The system remains intact under offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher. Burrow’s chemistry with Chase has only deepened. Also, the offensive line has taken incremental steps toward stability. If the defense can simply be competent, Burrow’s efficiency and explosiveness could translate into his most dominant statistical season yet. It could be good enough to vault him into the thick of the MVP race.
Running back...
