Cincinnati Bengals 2024 Preview

The Cincinnati Bengals are poised for a strong 2024 season, entering the year with a win total over/under set at 10.5. After finishing last season with a 9-8 record, the Bengals are eager to rebound and reassert themselves as one of the top teams in the AFC.

With a healthy Joe Burrow and key additions on both sides of the ball, Cincinnati is set to compete in the highly competitive AFC North. Let’s break down what to expect from the Bengals this season.

Key Insights and Team Overview

The Bengals have made several strategic changes to their roster, while still maintaining a strong core. Here’s what you need to know:

Offensive Outlook

Joe Burrow’s Return to Form:
- Healthy and Hungry: After a frustrating 2023 season marred by injuries, including a calf strain and a hand injury, Joe Burrow is ready to bounce back. Despite the setbacks, Burrow still led the Bengals to a 9-8 record. With a full season of health, Burrow is expected to elevate the offense back to elite status.
- Top Targets: Ja’Marr Chase remains the centerpiece of the Bengals’ receiving corps. Last season, Chase hauled in 100 receptions for over 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns, even with Burrow missing time. T. Higgins, who struggled with injuries, is looking to improve on his 650 yards and five touchdowns from last year.
Receiving Corps Adjustments:
- Tyler Boyd’s Departure: The Bengals will miss Boyd’s reliable presence in the slot, where he contributed 67 catches for over 660 yards. Trenton Irwin, who showed flashes in Boyd’s absence, will be asked to step up, and rookie Germaine Burton could also see significant playing time.
- Tight End and Running Back Changes: The Bengals added Mike Gesicki to their tight end rotation, bringing experience and versatility to the position. With Joe Mixon off to Houston, Zach Moss takes over as the lead back. Moss brings solid production, having averaged 4.3 yards per carry in Indianapolis last season.
Offensive Line Overhaul:
- Protection Upgrades: The Bengals’ offensive line allowed 50 sacks last year, ranking 25th in the league. To address this, Cincinnati used their first-round pick on tackle Amarius Mims and signed veteran Trent Brown. These moves aim to provide Burrow with better protection and improve the team’s overall pass blocking.

Defensive Adjustments

Defensive Line Reinforcements:
- Sheldon Rankins Addition: The Bengals strengthened their defensive front by signing Rankins, who notched six sacks last season. He replaces DJ Reader, adding more pass-rush capability to the interior.
- Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard: Hendrickson remains the Bengals’ top pass rusher, coming off a 12-sack season. Hubbard, with six sacks, continues to be a reliable presence on the opposite edge. Together, they form a formidable pass-rushing duo.
Secondary and Linebacker Upgrades:
- Cornerback and Safety Adjustments: Cam Taylor-Britt returns as the Bengals’ top cornerback, having held quarterbacks to a sub-80 passer rating last season. The Bengals revamped their safety tandem by bringing back Vonn Bell and adding Gino Stone, who had seven interceptions with Baltimore last year. Dax Hill, who had a strong 2023 with over 100 tackles, rounds out a talented secondary.
- Linebacker Consistency: Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt both return after stellar seasons, combining for over 250 tackles and six interceptions. This duo will continue to be the backbone of the Bengals’ defense.

Season Outlook

The Bengals have all the pieces in place to challenge for the AFC North title and make a deep playoff run. Here’s a breakdown of their potential floor and ceiling for 2024:

Win Total Floor: 9 Wins
- Why? If injuries strike again or the new additions don’t gel as expected, the Bengals could find themselves in close games that don’t go their way. A 9-8 record is the worst-case scenario, still a competitive mark in a tough division.
Win Total Ceiling: 13 Wins
- Why? With a healthy Joe Burrow and improvements on both sides of the ball, the Bengals could realistically push for a 13-4 season, competing for the top seed in the AFC.

Final Thoughts

The Cincinnati Bengals are set to be one of the top contenders in the AFC in 2024. With a potent offense led by Joe Burrow and a defense that has made key upgrades, the Bengals have their sights set on a deep playoff run. However, they’ll need to stay healthy and execute consistently to reach their full potential.

Key Points Recap

Joe Burrow is back healthy, and the offense is poised to return to form.
Ja’Marr Chase and T. Higgins lead a strong receiving corps, though the loss of Tyler Boyd will be felt.
The offensive line has been revamped to better protect Burrow and improve the run game.
The defense has been bolstered by key additions like Sheldon Rankins, Vonn Bell, and Gino Stone, making them a more complete unit.
Win total projection: 9 to 13 wins, depending on health and how quickly the new pieces integrate.

Bengals fans, get ready for a thrilling season—2024 could be the year the Jungle roars the loudest!

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