Win the AFC North': NFL Insider Reveals Cincinnati Bengals Best-Case Scenario as 2026 NFL Season Approaches

CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan outlines a best-case scenario for the Cincinnati Bengals as the 2026 season approaches, hinging on health and defensive upgrades. He argues that Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins staying healthy would raise the floor, while the defense’s upgrades—Dexter Lawrence and Boye Mafe—could spark an overnight turnaround alongside rising players like Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart. The piece suggests the Bengals could win the AFC North for the first time since 2022, return to the Super Bowl, and win it, provided Burrow remains healthy and the defense performs better after conceding too many points in recent seasons. Cincinnati’s recent 6-11 finish included trading the 10th overall pick to the Giants for Lawrence; Sullivan also notes an challenging early schedule and the need for a strong start over the first five games.