The Cincinnati Bengals are getting some seriously spicy predictions for the 2026 NFL season, with one analyst forecasting a year that would launch them into the Super Bowl after a three-year stretch of pure frustration. Jarrett Bailey over at SB Nation dropped 61 predictions for the upcoming season, and his outlook for Cincinnati is so positive it’s almost unbelievable. If even half of this goes down, the jungle is going to be absolutely rocking.
Burrow and Chase Are Going Nuclear, MVP Style
Get ready for an offensive explosion that would make any fan salivate. According to Bailey, Joe Burrow is about to have a career year, topping 50 touchdowns and leading the entire league in passing yards. Yeah, you read that right: *over 50 TDs*. Not to be outdone, Ja’Marr Chase is set to snag another triple crown, racking up 20 touchdowns himself. With stats like that, it’s no shock that the hardware would start rolling in for the Bengals’ stars. Burrow is predicted to secure his first MVP award, and Chase would grab his first Offensive Player of the Year. We’re talking about a full-on offensive clinic if these predictions even come close to reality.
AFC Champs? Absolutely. Super Bowl Rings? Not So Fast.
This offensive firepower, combined with what’s described as a “slightly improved defense,” isn’t just about individual awards. Bailey sees the Bengals not only returning to the playoffs but making a deep, strong run. He has them landing the No. 1 seed after winning their division for the first time since 2022. The ride continues as they’d defeat the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game. That’s right, punching their ticket to the Super Bowl! But here’s the kicker, the part that would absolutely sting: they’d ultimately suffer a loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the big game. It’s safe to say any Bengals fan would take that season in a heartbeat, *minus* the ending, after the last three years of ups and downs.
What Needs to Go Right for This Wild Ride to Happen
So, what are the big X-factors for this wild ride of a prediction to come true? The offense is clearly capable, and maybe this is finally the year head coach Zac Taylor lets Burrow and company unleash some more aggression early in games. On the defensive side, the improvements are key, with acquisitions like Dexter Lawrence and Bryan Cook needing to come together. But the biggest factor? Burrow staying healthy. If those two things break Cincinnati’s way, then it is incredibly hard to believe this team isn’t bound for the postseason. And once Burrow gets there, he usually knows how to put a run together.
What do you think of these predictions, football fanatics? Will Burrow finally nab that MVP, only to watch the ultimate prize slip through his fingers? It is a wild ride of a forecast, and if even half of it comes true, the 2026 season for Cincinnati is going to be absolutely unforgettable, for better or for worse.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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