Cincinnati Bengals: 4 way too early predictions for the AFC North
By Steve Rivera
Have you heard? The Cincinnati Bengals own the first pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. With the kind of season fans saw in college football, options abound, a Heisman Trophy winner is available, and a big trade could even be possible. However, with the stakes this high, and the safe road easily available, count on Cincinnati making the sound choice.
The big question in 2020, assuming Cincinnati drafts Joe Burrow, is how much better is the team than it was in 2019? If the Bengals do what they do, hold their picks and draft accordingly, manage to keep A.J. Green happy, and avoid costly injuries, odds are good Cincinnati doesn’t finish in last place this coming season.
The AFC North might offer some opportunities this year. With the smoldering dumpster fire that is the Browns and a Ravens team who many will be scheming for, it’s no lock that how the division finished in 2019 is how they finish in 2020. Baltimore was contained in their playoff loss to Tennessee and they made Lamar Jackson looks thoroughly mortal. Meaning, you can count on every defensive coordinator to break that tape down, especially in the AFC North.
Ultimately, it’s hard to see 2-14 again. As much as Zac Taylor looked lost last season, he will be better this year. The addition of a rookie quarterback, likely Burrow, is something of a wildcard, but probably a good wildcard.
The Cincinnati Bengals will be better in 2020 by four games, winning some of those close ones they lost last year. Simply put, a better future begins immediately after the draft.
2020 record: 6-10