Bengals Face Critical Season with Joe Burrow and New Defense

The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for the 2026 NFL season, with significant expectations placed on quarterback Joe Burrow, who is seen as a leading candidate for the MVP award. This season is pivotal for Burrow, especially after injuries limited his playtime last year, and for head coach Zac Taylor, who faces scrutiny following three consecutive playoff misses.

Burrow's performance has garnered attention, with bettors favoring him to become the first Bengals player to win the MVP since Boomer Esiason in 1988. Currently, he is listed as the third-favorite at +900, leading in ticket sales for the MVP prop. The Bengals' struggles last season, where they finished 6-11, were partly attributed to Burrow's absence due to injury, as the team managed only one win without him.

While the offense remains largely intact, the Bengals have made efforts to strengthen their defense, which ranked poorly in several categories last season. Key offseason acquisitions include tackle Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen, along with safety Bryan Cook. The team is projected to have a win total of 10.5, with a playoff probability of 42.9%, as they prepare to face Tampa Bay in their season opener.