Chad Ochocinco believes the Bengals will have more than 8 wins in 2021

Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco had high praise for the team when asked about what they’ll do this year. Per Bleacher Report, Ochocinco didn’t just predict the team to be competitive — He predicted them to have a winning record (or close to it — Thanks 17-game schedule for screwing up the numbers).

"“Bengals are gonna have more than eight wins. Book it.”"

This is what Ochocinco said in the video provided by Bleacher Report and it’s a huge compliment from the former Bengals star. Ochocinco has never shied away from making bold claims but this is definitely a bold prediction.

First on the list of reasons as to why eight wins could be tough, the Bengals have one of the toughest schedules in the league this year. That leads to the second reason, which is how brutally tough the division is with the Browns, Ravens, and Steelers all making the playoffs a season ago.

Chad Ochocinco believes in the Bengals this year.

If Ochocinco believes the Bengals will win more than eight games, then that implies he thinks they’ll win at least nine games, which would give the team a winning record. It might not be good enough to qualify for the playoffs but Bengals fans would 100% take a nine-win season.

If Joe Burrow takes a huge leap, the offensive line keeps him upright, Joe Mixon can stay healthy, and the defense can improve (especially in the pass-rushing department), then there is hope for this team in 2021. It won’t be easy, as they have six games against the Browns, Ravens, and Steelers, a game against the Chiefs, a game against the Packers, and the 49ers should be better too. That’s a tough slate.

The Bengals did add to their offensive line and their defense this offseason, which should hopefully help both units. Still, predicting a team that won four games a season ago to win at least nine is bold, but that’s Ochocinco’s style.

Hopefully, we can look back on this quote from Ochocinco and be excited because he was onto his old team before a lot of fans were on board.