As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Cincinnati Bengals are generating buzz as a potential contender to return to the AFC Championship Game. With a roster featuring elite talent and a revamped coaching staff, many experts believe the Bengals have what it takes to make a deep playoff run.
Quarterback Joe Burrow leads the charge, supported by star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. This trio has proven capable of producing explosive offensive performances, and their chemistry continues to improve. The Bengals’ offense ranked among the top in the league last season, and with the addition of key players in the offseason, expectations are high for another prolific year.
Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow, NFL, ESPN
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) warms up before the first quarter of the NFL Preseason Week 2 game between the Washington Commanders and the Cincinnati Bengals at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
However, the success of the Bengals will hinge on their defense, which struggled at times last season. The team made strategic additions, including T.J. Slayton, to bolster their run defense and improve overall performance. New defensive coordinator Al Golden aims to transform the unit into a strength, which could be crucial in tight playoff games.
The Bengals also enter the season with a favorable schedule, allowing them to establish early momentum. Their ability to capitalize on matchups against divisional rivals could set the tone for their playoff aspirations. Analysts are optimistic that a strong start can galvanize the team and propel them toward the postseason.
ESPN’s NFL Analysis Predicts Cincinnati Bengals to Compete for the AFC Championship
Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow, NFL, ESPN
Aug 7, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Cincinnati may soon find its way to the AFC Championship game. This is detailed more in an analysis by Dan Graziano for ESPN.
Don’t be surprised if … the Bengals return to the AFC Championship Game.
What I’m hearing: The outside concern about the way the defense has looked in preseason games is not shared by those inside the building. The Bengals are installing a new scheme under new defensive coordinator Al Golden, and the coaching staff made a conscious decision to put as little of that scheme on tape as possible in the televised preseason games. People who have been at practice say the first-team defense has performed fairly well against Joe Burrow and one of the best offenses in the NFL — even with defensive end Trey Hendrickson not participating before agreeing to his new deal.
Cincinnati’s defense has only one direction to go after last season’s collapse. Opponents scored 25.5 points per game on the Bengals, tied for seventh most in the league. If that unit can get back to even the middle of the pack, this is a dangerous team with a potent offense and players who know how to win playoff games. As poorly as the past two seasons have gone in Cincinnati, the Bengals still managed to finish 9-8 in both of them. If that’s rock bottom, you have a contending roster.
While some skeptics question the Bengals’ consistency, their recent playoff experience provides a solid foundation. Having reached the Super Bowl just two seasons ago, the team understands the pressure and expectations that come with postseason play.
Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow, NFL, ESPN
Aug 7, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Bengals as they aim to reclaim their status among the elite in their division. If they can maintain their offensive prowess while solidifying their defense, a return to the AFC Championship Game is within reach.
Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow, NFL, ESPN
Aug 7, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow walks out of the tunnel for a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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