Joe Burrow is brimming with confidence heading into this season. The Cincinnati Bengals have yet to clinch a Super Bowl, but Burrow believes that this year could mark a significant turnaround for the franchise.
Last year, the Bengals finished with a disappointing 6-11 record, but the offseason has been a busy one, and Burrow is taking notice. With notable additions like safety Bryan Cook and pass-rusher Boye Mafe through free agency, and a rare blockbuster trade for Dexter Lawrence, the team is showing ambition.
If the goal was to bolster Burrow’s spirits, they certainly hit the mark.
Burrow stated, “I think this is the most talented roster that we’ve had since I’ve been here.”
This is a quarterback who has experienced a Super Bowl and two AFC title games. Burrow understands the journey to the pinnacle and feels this squad is prepared to tackle their toughest challenges. During his first press conference of the offseason, he made a bold proclamation.
“We’re gonna go win a lot of games this year, and play great, and win a Super Bowl,” Burrow asserted.
For the Bengals, this is the confidence you want to see from your starting quarterback. While Burrow’s assertion about winning a Super Bowl before the season kicks off may seem audacious, everything appears to be falling into place for the Bengals.
Considering Burrow’s bold prediction, let’s analyze each game on the Bengals’ schedule to assess the plausibility of making the playoffs.
Week 1: vs. Buccaneers
Line: Bengals -3.5
Burrow’s prediction escalates the pressure for the Bengals to perform admirably in Week 1, a challenge they haven’t met under Zac Taylor. Cincinnati has not won a home opener since 2021, the same year they made it to the Super Bowl. Look for Burrow to make a statement with over 300 passing yards in a win.
Prediction: Bengals 24, Buccaneers 17
Projected record: 1-0
Week 2: at Texans
Line: Bengals +2.5
This matchup proves challenging, particularly since the Bengals have a disappointing 1-6 record in Week 2 under Taylor. The Texans boasted one of the league’s top defenses last year, expected to improve this season. Facing a top-tier defense early, especially on the road, will be an uphill battle for Cincinnati.
Prediction: Texans 20, Bengals 17
Projected record: 1-1
Week 3: at Steelers
Line: Bengals -1.5
Divisional games have been a struggle for the Bengals under Taylor. Only once in seven seasons has he achieved a winning record within the division, with his teams losing multiple divisional matches most seasons. This first divisional game may end in a loss for Cincinnati.
Prediction: Steelers 23, Bengals 20
Projected record: 1-2
Week 4: vs. Jaguars
Line: Bengals -2.5
If the Bengals fall to 1-2, concern may mount among the fans, but Burrow will remain unshaken. Having faced injury against the Jaguars last season, he will retaliate, throwing for three touchdowns against their defense.
Prediction: Bengals 31, Jaguars 24
Projected record: 2-2
Week 5: at Dolphins
Line: Bengals -5.5
Last year, Burrow’s standout performance in Miami—where he threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-21 victory—could easily be replicated against a relatively inexperienced Dolphins squad.
Prediction: Bengals 34, Dolphins 17
Projected record: 3-2
Week 6: BYE
As long as the Bengals reach their bye week with a winning record, they remain in a solid position.
Week 7: at Ravens
Line: Bengals +3.5
Although favored in 15 of their 17 games, the Bengals are underdogs in this one. Following a road game, they face an old foe, and history suggests that the Bengals often falter after the bye. Expect another loss here.
Prediction: Ravens 27, Bengals 24
Projected record: 3-3
Week 8: vs. Titans
Line: Bengals -6.5
Following their loss against Baltimore, the Bengals’ revamped defense should shine. Dexter Lawrence and the defensive line will pressure the Titans’ quarterback, leading to multiple turnovers.
Prediction: Bengals 31, Titans 20
Projected record: 4-3
Week 9: vs. Falcons (in Spain)
Line: Bengals -4.5
After advocating for an international game, Burrow gets his chance in Madrid. It’s his first international match, and Burrow will aim to leave a lasting impression, leading the Bengals to a thrilling win.
Prediction: Bengals 34, Falcons 31
Projected record: 5-3
Week 10: vs. Steelers (Sunday night)
Line: Bengals -3.5
This matchup presents a challenge for the Bengals, who will be coming off an international game, while the Steelers enjoy a bye week. Historically, teams in Cincinnati’s situation have struggled. However, they will seek revenge for their earlier loss against the Steelers.
Prediction: Bengals 27, Steelers 20
Projected record: 6-3
Week 11: at Commanders (Monday night)
Line: Bengals -1.5
After two emotional wins, the Bengals face a letdown in this Monday night matchup against the Commanders.
Prediction: Commanders 31, Bengals 24
Projected record: 6-4
Week 12: vs. Saints
Line: Bengals -6.5
After a disappointing loss to Washington, the Bengals rebound with a dominant performance against the Saints. The climate plays in their favor, as the indoor team struggles outdoors in late November.
Prediction: Bengals 34, Saints 20
Projected record: 7-4
Week 13: at Browns
Line: Bengals -4.5
As the Bengals prepare for a tough encounter with the Chiefs, they may overlook the Browns and face a setback.
Prediction: Browns 20, Bengals 18
Projected record: 7-5
Week 14: vs. Chiefs
Line: Bengals -1.5
Burrow engaging with Mahomes is one of the NFL’s most thrilling showdowns. With closely contested past matches, Burrow will aim to gain the upper hand and secure a crucial AFC victory.
Prediction: Bengals 30, Chiefs 27
Projected record: 8-5
Week 15: at Panthers
Line: Bengals -2.5
After sweeping the earlier NFC South teams, the Bengals look to continue their success against the Panthers. A perfect record against the NFC South would mirror an impressive season.
Prediction: Bengals 27, Panthers 17
Projected record: 9-5
Week 16: at Colts
Line: Bengals -1.5
The Bengals face a vital match against the Colts, needing this win as the playoff picture heats up. Their defense must shine as they confront a familiar opponent.
Prediction: Bengals 26, Colts 23
Projected record: 10-5
Week 17: vs. Ravens (Thursday night)
Line: Bengals -1.5
Ending a streak of primetime losses on the road, the Bengals will enjoy a rowdy home crowd. The Thursday night clash on New Year’s Eve will elevate their performance.
Prediction: Bengals 30, Ravens 23
Projected record: 11-5
Week 18: vs. Browns
Line: Bengals -7.5
By Week 18, the stakes will weigh heavily. The Bengals will be vying for playoff positioning while the Browns may no longer have motivation.
Prediction: Bengals 27, Browns 14
Projected record: 12-5
Final thoughts: A 12-5 record would likely secure a playoff berth for the Bengals. While that may not guarantee the top seed in the AFC, it should provide an opportunity to compete strong within the AFC North.
With Burrow’s leadership and a bolstered defense, the Bengals could emerge as a formidable contender. Burrow holds a pristine 4-0 postseason record in early playoff rounds, suggesting that if the Bengals qualify, they won’t be taken lightly.
Currently, the Bengals’ Super Bowl odds are at 22-to-1, ranked 14th in the league. However, if Burrow’s confidence proves justified, they could very well be one of the surprise teams in 2026.
The offensive capabilities of the Bengals match up with the best in the league, but maintaining defensive performance will be crucial for realizing their aspirations.
