Law of the Jungle
Ryan Meyer/Courtesy Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2025 NFL season with high expectations and unfinished business. After a disappointing season that ended before the playoffs, head coach Zac Taylor’s squad is locked in on returning to the Super Bowl for the second time in his tenure. The journey begins Sunday on the road against a familiar AFC North foe: the Cleveland Browns.
Quarterback Joe Burrow is fully healthy after a 2024 campaign that saw him battle through minor injuries and inconsistent protection. The Bengals retooled their offensive line this offseason, most notably adding veteran Dalton Risner. Alongside returning center Ted Karras and offensive tackles Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims, the line should give Burrow more time to operate and avoid the kind of pressure that’s derailed past playoff runs.
At wide receiver, Cincinnati still boasts one of the most dynamic duos in the league. Ja’Marr Chase remains the team’s undisputed WR1 and he and Tee Higgins have the luxury and security of new contracts. .
New defensive coordinator Al Golden will rely heavily on veteran Trey Hendrickson to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and ease the pressure on a developing secondary.
Sunday’s matchup against the Browns presents an immediate test. Joe Flacco is back in Cleveland as the Browns try to figure out a crowded quarterback room, but Flacco has a losing record (9-12) lifetime against the Bengals. Cleveland’s defense, anchored by Myles Garrett, will test Cincinnati’s revamped O-line early and often.
Cincinnati’s 2025 schedule is daunting, with matchups against Super Bowl contenders like the Vikings, Bears, and Bills. Divisional games will be critical, especially in an AFC North that might be the deepest in football. The Steelers look to stay relevant with QB Aaron Rodgers now calling the signals, and the Ravens remain dangerous with Lamar Jackson under center.
If Burrow stays healthy and the defense gels, the Bengals have all the ingredients to be in the Super Bowl mix again. The offensive firepower is undeniable, and the front office has done a solid job keeping the core intact while adding youth and depth. But with a loaded AFC, every game matters—and it all starts this Sunday in Cleveland.
A win on the road would set the tone for a Bengals team looking to reclaim its place atop the conference.
– Betsy Ross