Bengals Aim for Redemption in 2025 After Disappointing 2024 Season
The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2025 season with heightened expectations and a burning desire to return to the Super Bowl contention they tasted in 2022. After a tumultuous 2024 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs with a frustrating 9-8 record for the second consecutive year, the team is undergoing significant changes and strategic adjustments to reclaim their position as a dominant force in the AFC.
The 2024 season was a stark illustration of the Bengals’ potential and their persistent vulnerabilities. A dismal 1-4 start put them in a deep hole, showcasing inconsistencies on both sides of the ball. While they demonstrated resilience with a strong push in the second half, winning their final five games to keep playoff hopes alive, the ultimate outcome was a bitter disappointment. The team’s defensive struggles were a major contributing factor to their shortcomings, as they allowed an average of 25.5 points per game, ranking a lowly 25th in the league. This defensive inefficiency proved costly, especially in high-scoring affairs.
Addressing the defensive woes became the top priority during the offseason. The Bengals made a significant change by parting ways with longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, seeking a fresh perspective and a new approach to revitalize their defensive unit. They subsequently hired Al Golden, a seasoned coach with a proven track record of defensive improvement. The hope is that Golden’s leadership and strategic acumen will transform the Bengals’ defense into a more formidable and consistent presence.
The future of star defensive end Trey Hendrickson adds another layer of complexity to the Bengals’ defensive outlook. Hendrickson, a key component of the team’s pass rush, is seeking a contract extension or a trade, creating uncertainty about his long-term commitment to the Bengals. His potential departure would undoubtedly weaken the defensive line, placing even greater pressure on the team’s other defensive players.
To reinforce their defensive line and add depth to their pass rush, the Bengals invested heavily in the 2025 NFL Draft. Their first-round selection was edge rusher Shemar Stewart, a highly touted prospect with the potential to become a disruptive force in the trenches. The Bengals continued to prioritize defensive needs throughout the draft, using three of their first four picks to bolster their defensive unit. This emphasis on defense underscores the team’s commitment to addressing their most glaring weakness and creating a more balanced and competitive team.
Beyond the defensive overhaul, the Bengals also focused on securing the long-term future of their explosive offense. The primary goal of the offseason was to secure contract extensions for star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, ensuring that quarterback Joe Burrow would continue to have his two primary targets for years to come. The Bengals successfully accomplished this early in the offseason, solidifying their passing attack and keeping their Super Bowl window wide open.
The presence of Chase and Higgins gives the Bengals one of the most formidable wide receiver duos in the NFL. Their ability to make contested catches, gain yards after the catch, and create mismatches against opposing defenses makes them a constant threat to score. With Burrow at the helm, the Bengals’ passing game has the potential to be among the league’s most prolific.
While the Bengals have made significant strides to improve their team, concerns remain about their offensive line. Left tackle Trent Brown departed in free agency, and the team failed to make any significant additions to the unit, aside from drafting guard Dylan Fairchild in the third round. Last year’s first-round pick, right tackle Amarius Mims, will need to take a significant leap forward to solidify the line. In 2024, the Bengals’ offensive line was ranked 30th overall by PFF and finished dead last in ESPN’s pass block win rate. Without substantial improvement, the offensive line could become a major liability, hindering the team’s ability to protect Burrow and establish a consistent running game.
The running game could potentially get a boost from running back Chase Brown, who showed flashes of brilliance last season. From Weeks 9-17, Brown averaged the second-most touches per game (23.6) behind only Saquon Barkley (25.7), indicating his potential to become a workhorse back. Additionally, the Bengals re-signed tight end Mike Gesicki, providing Burrow with another reliable target in the passing game.
The Bengals face a challenging schedule in 2025, due in large part to playing in the highly competitive AFC North. Their schedule is ranked as the 17th-hardest in the league, according to Sharp Football Analysis. Due to their third-place finish in the division last season, they will have home games against the Jaguars and Cardinals. However, six of their eight road opponents were playoff teams in 2024.
The Bengals’ home matchups against the Browns, Steelers, Patriots, Jets, Cardinals, and Jaguars could all be winnable games. However, their success will depend on their ability to overcome their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths.
The USA TODAY Sports prediction for the Bengals’ record in 2025 is 10-7. Expectations remain high in Cincinnati, with many viewing the season as Super Bowl-or-bust. The Bengals are currently tied with the fifth-best Super Bowl odds (+1800) after the draft, suggesting that they are poised to re-establish themselves as a formidable AFC contender. However, the defending AFC North champion Ravens stand in their way, posing a significant obstacle to the Bengals’ divisional aspirations.
The key to the Bengals’ success in 2025 will be their ability to improve their defense, protect Burrow, and maintain consistency throughout the season. They lost four games last season in which they scored at least 33 points, which is an NFL record, illustrating the need to improve both their defense and their ability to close out games. If they can address these issues, the Bengals have the potential to be a major force in the AFC and make a deep playoff run. However, their mediocre offensive line and porous defense could once again hold them back, preventing them from reaching their ultimate goal. The Bengals’ journey in 2025 promises to be a compelling narrative, filled with both promise and uncertainty.
