Following Joe Burrow’s injury, the Cincinnati Bengals fell short of the 2023 NFL Playoffs. Burrow is back and that means so are the Bengals. Correlate that they have a Pro Bowl quarterback and a roster that is deep enough to enter the season, with the NFL odds of returning to the Super Bowl. Burrow, entering his fifth season, is on a big-boy contract now, and that’s made for some hard and awkward decisions across Cincinnati’s roster. Still, there are enough reasons to believe the Bengals’ 9-8, last-place finish in 2023 was a one-off.
2024-25 NFL Future Odds Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals 2024 Team Schedule
- Week 1 (Sept. 8) vs. Patriots, 1 p.m.
- Week 2 (Sept. 15): at Chiefs, 4:25 p.m.
- Week 3 (Sept. 23): vs. Commanders (MNF), 8:15 p.m.
- Week 4 (Sept. 29): at Panthers, 1 p.m.
- Week 5 (Oct. 6): vs. Ravens, 1 p.m.
- Week 6 (Oct. 13): at Giants (SNF), 8:20 p.m.
- Week 7 (Oct. 20): at Browns, 1 p.m.
- Week 8 (Oct. 27): vs. Eagles, 4:25 p.m.
- Week 9 (Nov. 3): vs. Raiders, 1 p.m.
- Week 10 (Nov. 7): at Ravens (TNF), 8:15 p.m.
- Week 11 (Nov. 17): at Chargers, 4:25 p.m.
- Week 12: BYE
- Week 13 (Dec. 1) vs. Steelers, 1 p.m.
- Week 14 (Dec. 9): at Cowboys (MNF), 8:15 p.m.
- Week 15 (Dec. 15): at Titans, 1 p.m.
- Week 16 (Dec. 19): vs. Browns, 8:15 p.m.
- Week 17 (Dec. 29): vs. Broncos, TBD
- Week 18 (Jan. 4/5): at Steelers, TBD
Of course, with a healthy Burrow, everything comes easier. Now, the Bengals are excited to relish that feeling once again as they look to return to the playoffs for the third time in four years.
2024 Cincinnati Bengals Preview
Accordingly, Burrow’s wrist is not a long-term issue. Thus, he figures to be 100 percent to start 2024. If so, Cincinnati will be in Super Bowl consideration once again, thanks to the terrific supporting cast.
The receiving corps will continue to be top-notch. There was speculation that the Bengals would trade Tee Higgins this offseason. However, that did not transpire. With Higgins returning to play across from Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati will once again have two No. 1-caliber receivers. In turn, Tyler Boyd is gone, but the Bengals spent a third-round pick on Jermaine Burton.
Last year’s rookie, Andrei Iosivas, also showed offshore bookmaker potential. Also, there is Mike Gesicki, who will offer the sort of athleticism the Bengals have lacked at tight end since the Tyler Eifert days.
The face of Cincinnati’s defense over the past three years is end Trey Hendrickson. Of great concern is that he requested a trade shortly before the draft. Hendrickson is frustrated over the dialogue about a potential long-term extension. Certainly, Hendrickson has earned it. Consider that he’s coming off his best NFL betting odds season as a pro (17.5 sacks). The Bengals certainly need an engaged and thriving Hendrickson. Cause by his being the bright spot in an otherwise disappointing 2023 for the Bengals defense.
The Bengals looked like the Super Bowl favorites during the midway point of the 2023 season. Joe Burrow’s injury changed that, but Burrow will be 100 percent to begin 2024. Burrow will need to play at the top of his game. He must offset some of the key losses the team suffered on the defensive side of the ball. Still, given Burrow’s high talent level, that is certainly possible.