TheCincinnati Bengals
have missed the playoffs in three consecutive seasons, but don't mistake that for a franchise headed in the wrong direction. Several sportsbooks and NFL analysts expect a rebound in 2026 after last year's 6-11 finish. Many are projecting the Bengals to flirt with double-digit victories and have even gone as far as to say that they are the biggest hindrance to the Baltimore Ravens' chances of winning the AFC North.Few see the Pittsburgh Steelers as Baltimore's biggest challenger. Fewer still see the Cleveland Browns as being ready to contend, so it could very well be Cincinnati. The Ravens still hold the edge in the rivalry, leading the all-time series by a 33-28 after 61 meetings.
That includes a postseason matchup. Baltimore
has also won five of the last six contests, but the Bengals possess enough offensive talent to make every divisional showdown one of the season's biggest tests. They meet this season in Weeks 7 and 17, and everything Cincinnati hopes to accomplish begins with its franchise quarterback.
Joe Burrow's availability remains the biggest storyline.
Burrow has missed six or more games in three of the past six seasons, making durability one of the league's biggest questions entering 2026. When he was healthy last year, however, he reminded everyone why he's considered among the NFL's elite. Burrow threw 17 touchdown passes against just five interceptions while posting a 100.7 passer rating in only eight appearances.
The Ravens know firsthand how dangerous Cincinnati becomes when Burrow is operating at full strength. Preparing for the Bengals begins with assuming they'll face the Pro Bowl version of their quarterback rather than hoping injuries become part of the equation.
Offensive continuity should benefit Cincinnati.
Few teams enter a season with this level of familiarity. The Bengals return all 11 offensive starters from last season, giving the coaching staff continuity that many teams spend months trying to develop.
Chemistry along the offensive line, timing within the passing game and communication in critical situations should all benefit from another year together. That continuity could allow Cincinnati to hit the ground running while many opponents are still working through early-season growing pains.
The Bengals excel when the stakes are highest.
One of Cincinnati's greatest strengths came down to the money. The Bengals converted 43.44 percent of their third-down opportunities last season, placing them among the NFL's elite in sustaining drives.
Extending possessions not only creates more scoring opportunities but also limits the number of chances opposing offenses receive. Baltimore's defense has consistently thrived by creating third-and-long situations. If the Ravens can force Burrow and company off schedule, they'll have a much better chance of preventing Cincinnati from controlling the tempo.
Few receiving corps compare to Cincinnati's
The Bengals continue to feature one of football's premier collections of pass catchers. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins combined for 184 receptions, 2,258 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns in 2025 despite Higgins missing two games.
Andrei Iosivas added another reliable option with 33 receptions for 435 yards and two scores, while tight end Noah Fant remains a dependable target capable of creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties. Containing one receiver is difficult enough. Slowing down this entire group requires disciplined coverage and consistent pressure on Burrow before routes can fully develop.
Chase Brown has become a complete offensive weapon
Cincinnati's offense is no longer built exclusively around its passing attack. Running back Chase Brown eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark with 1,019 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He also emerged as one of the league's more productive receiving backs, hauling in 69 passes for 437 yards and five additional touchdowns.
Brown's versatility forces defenses to account for him on every snap, whether he's lining up in the backfield or releasing into the passing game. That added dimension makes Cincinnati's offense significantly more difficult to defend than in previous seasons.
The Bengals also deserve credit for improving their pass protection. Although Burrow was still sacked 36 times, that total represented noticeable progress from the previous year. If the offensive line continues trending upward and Burrow stays healthy, Baltimore should expect another pair of highly competitive battles in what could once again become one of the AFC North's defining rivalries.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Bengals offensive trends that should influence the Ravens' preparation
