2026 Cincinnati Bengals Preview: Roster, Odds & Win Total

The gist

1. Joe Burrow ranks as a top-5 quarterback when healthy, but his history of shoulder, knee, and wrist injuries makes the team's ceiling fragile.
2. The Bengals face the 32nd-ranked strength of schedule, making a 4-1 or 5-0 start realistic if the defense holds up early.
3. The second-half defensive improvement in 2024 came mainly from coaching adjustments by Al Golden rather than new personnel, which could repeat in 2025.
4. The hosts flag AFC number 1 seed at +650 and Zack Taylor Coach of the Year at 25-36 to 1 as more attractive than Super Bowl futures at 20-1.