Official Cincinnati Bengals football is just days away, and the Buccaneers will be here before we know it. Fans are eager, and so ready to watch the Bengals for three hours each week. However, one can’t help but think about what this season means.
We all know that the 2026 season is going to be a crucial season, make or break even. You can only say “it’ll happen next year” so many times until both the team and the fans grow frustrated beyond repair.
Here’s why the 2026 season truly is make or break for the Bengals, broken down into three categories.
Joe Burrow is poised for a truly legendary season...can the Bengals match his energy?
Joe. Burrow. Clearly, the Bengals have their star quarterback, who when healthy, has explosive seasons. Burrow’s career high stats came in his fifth year, where he had 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns. Assuming that Burrow stays healthy for the 2026 season, there’s no reason why this won’t be an explosive season. After all the defensive upgrades and his own desires and goals, there would be no stopping this team.
...Unless he gets injured again. As much as I enjoy watching Joe Flacco play, no one wants to see him playing for an extended amount of time in 2026.
Bengals fans have been waiting so long to see the team return to playoffs, and if Burrow isn’t in the picture, confidence in and really the fun of the season vanishes. Ultimately, if the team misses playoffs again, speculation would skyrocket as to if Burrow sticks around long term or not.
The front office's epic roster upgrades went beyond appeasing Burrow
The Bengals arguably have one of the best offensive rosters in the NFL. Between Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown, the team is filled with playmakers. The team also fixed their infamous tight end issue with now fan-favorite Mike Gesicki and they even drafted Jack Endries last spring. Not to mention, all of the massive defensive upgrades, from Dexter Lawrence to Bryan Cook.
It’s clear that the front office worked this offseason to secure a stellar roster all around. And think about it, how many players on this roster are here because they want to win a Super Bowl with Joe Burrow? However, this roster won’t be together forever.
If the team misses playoffs for the fourth year, there is less incentive for them to stick around, and Zac Taylor's job status would be in serious jeopardy. The roster that played in Super Bowl LVI was arguably one of the best, and many still think today that that group was perfect and deserved the win against the Rams, so today’s roster can’t repeat history.
Strength of schedule appears to be breaking Cincinnati's way
I suppose the only perk of finishing last season with a 6-11 record is that the Bengals got a much easier schedule this year. They will be facing opponents like the Dolphins in Week 5, the Titans in Week 8, and the Saints in Week 12.
Of course, no win is given or easy, but it is nice to finally see some winnable games on the schedule this season. Of course, there are harder opponents on the schedule like the Ravens and the Chiefs, but if the team stays healthy, these will also be winnable.
Hopefully with a schedule like this one, the team won’t be fighting for a playoff spot like in recent years. Between the roster and the strength of schedule, all of the components are there for a winning season, but if the team can’t pull out at least a playoff run, it spells trouble for all involved and invested in the team’s success.
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