The Cincinnati Bengals had a truly disappointing season in 2025. They finished the year 6-11 and in third place in the AFC North. A big real for their struggles was the fact that their Pro Bowl quarterback, Joe Burrow, missed half the season due to injury.
Fortunately for the Bengals, Burrow is healthy and ready to compete again in 2026. The connection between the star quarterback and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is truly a special one, and the offense can explode for big plays at any given time.
However, Cincinnati is getting some pre-season buzz that some do not believe they deserve.
Can Joe Burrow really lead the Cincinnati Bengals back to the Super Bowl this year?
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) gets loose before the start of the first quarter of the NFL Week 17 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. The Bengals led 23-7 at halftime.
Part of the NFL off-season is fans and analysts trying to predict which teams will play well and might represent their respective conferences in the Super Bowl.
Over the last several days, the Bengals have been getting some love from the national media, with some predicting that Burrow will lead Cincinnati back to the Super Bowl.
But Fox Sports analysts do not think that is going to happen:
See Joe Burrow & the Bengals getting back to the Super Bowl?@getnickwright: “I am stunned at how much attention they are getting… it’s been 4 years since they have played in a playoff game.”@kevinwildes: “When you say it like that, it’s absurd!” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/P8gWeivw2F
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) June 18, 2026
Nick Wright accurately points out that the Bengals have not even played in a playoff game for four years. In response, Kevin Wildes says, “When you say it like that, it’s absurd!”
And it is.
Cincinnati parted ways with their best defensive player, Trey Hendrickson, this off-season. Furthermore, Burrow has only been able to stay healthy in one of the past three seasons.
There are far more questions regarding the Bengals than there are certainties, and picking them as a potential Super Bowl team is a reach at best.
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