The past few seasons has been as frustrating as it gets for Cincinnati Bengals fans. The same slow start, the same Joe Burrow injuries, the same questionable play calls, and a defense that leaks like a sieve. Talk about underachieving in what is supposed to be a Super Bowl window.
This season, the Bengals have the same ambitions. To win the AFC North, to make the playoffs, and hopefully make a deep run as they did in 2021 and 2022. However, it feels like an eternity ago. The Bengals haven't won the AFC North since then. Plus, before the two division wins in '21 and '22, there was a six-year wait for the North.
Since 2000, Cincinnati has won the AFC North just six times, and heading into this season, it feels like their best chance to get back to the top of the division. Expectations are high after an offseason of improving the defense, a healthy Burrow, and an encouraging preseason. But those around the NFL still seem doubtful about the Bengals' prospects.
Supercomputer predicts the Bengals to impress in the AFC
Always viewed as the small, cheap franchise in the AFC, the Bengals are used to being underrated. However, not everyone views Cincy as an outsider for a Super Bowl run this season. Opta Analyst's Supercomputer has run its pre-season simulation, and the results look very promising.
According to the Supercomputer, the Bengals are the second-most likely team in the AFC to make the playoffs, with a likelihood of 62.1%. They are only behind the New England Patriots, who have a chance of 76.9%.
Furthermore, their AFC North projection looks strong too. Cincinnati have been given a 38% chance to win the division compared to 29.9% for Baltimore, 24.4% for Pittsburgh, and 8.5% for Cleveland. Not only that, but the Supercomputer predicts that the Bengals are the second-favourites to win the AFC, with a 10.4% chance. That puts them ahead of the likes of the Bills (5.85%), Chiefs (2.35%), and Texans (9.78%).
The Supercomputer confirms what Bengals fans have been saying all offseason
As Bengals fans, we know full well that we will always have a chance to win the AFC with Burrow at quarterback. It's always the same 'if he can stay healthy' spiel. But with the improved defense, we all know that if Burrow can help the offense to it's usually elite level of production, we could be looking at a Super Bowl-contending roster here.
Many fans around the NFL would look at the Bills, the Ravens and the Patriots all as stronger contenders than Cincy. But the Supercomputer confirms what we've been saying all summer. Pair Burrow with a better defense and a very favourable schedule, and why can't this team win the AFC?
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