Cincinnati Bengals: 3 Players who need to breakout for playoffs return

Cincinnati Bengals: 3 Players who need breakout seasons to return to playoffs

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 15: Mike Jordan #60 of the Cincinnati Bengals is carted off the field after being injured in the fourth quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

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While many teams have clinched a playoff spot or are set to do so soon, the Cincinnati Bengals are looking for a path to claw their way back to contention. Here, we look at three players who must have a breakout season in 2020 for the Bengals to return to the playoffs.

On Sunday, the Bengals locked down the top overall pick in the 2020 draft in thrilling fashion. With that, fans and pundits alike are looking toward the upcoming prospect pool to lift the franchise from the depths of despair.

While there is certainly reason to believe a new franchise quarterback along with a full rookie class can help revitalize the team, the team will need help from players who are already on the roster. As good as A.J. Green and Andy Dalton were in their rookie year, they needed players who suffered through the previous season to assist them in reaching the playoffs.

The Bengals boast one of the younger rosters in the league, with the average player being just 25.7 years old. That kind of youth means there are plenty of candidates who have the ability to take the next step in their career. Here are three of those candidates.