The Cincinnati Bengals face a tumultuous offseason after a disappointing 2022 campaign, finishing with a 9-8 record. The team's struggles have raised more questions than answers, particularly around star quarterback Joe Burrow. With offseason workouts underway, Burrow's readiness to lead the team back to playoff contention is under scrutiny. The organization’s decisions regarding roster moves and draft strategies will be critical as they look to support their franchise quarterback and improve their overall performance.

Despite Burrow's talent, the Bengals need to address issues on both sides of the ball, including an offensive line that struggled to protect him, and a defense that needs reinforcements. As they navigate free agency and the draft, how they balance immediate needs with long-term strategies will be pivotal in reshaping their image in the AFC.

Mike Gesicki's return to the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason has garnered attention, particularly from quarterback Joe Burrow, who compares Gesicki's significance to that of star players like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. This marks the first time Burrow has had a reliable tight end, which could enhance the offensive dynamics in the upcoming season. The Bengals' decision to keep Gesicki from free agency is seen as a smart move to build consistency in their passing game.

Despite Gesicki’s valuable contribution being overlooked nationally, his presence could play a crucial role in addressing Cincinnati's tight end needs, helping to create mismatches for defenses. With Gesicki's ability to stretch the field and create separation, he could emerge as a key target in Burrow's arsenal, potentially impacting fantasy leagues and betting lines this season.

The Bengals showcased a potent offensive lineup in 2025, with Joe Burrow ranking third among quarterbacks and Ja'Marr Chase winning the receiving Triple Crown. Tee Higgins also impressed, finishing as the WR4 in points per game. The emergence of Chase Brown as RB12 and Mike Gesicki's contributions solidified this offense's effectiveness. However, the Bengals' offensive efficiency was not elite, with their defense ranking poorly, often forcing a high-scoring game script.

This article identifies potential 'carnival teams' for the upcoming season, like the Atlanta Falcons, whose weaknesses on defense and strengths in their offensive lineup make them appealing. The Jaguars, under new offensive leadership, aim to maximize Trevor Lawrence's potential with high-volume passing. Similarly, the Raiders' revamped offensive strategies could thrive due to a deficit in their secondary, leading to pass-heavy games. The Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers also show promise for fantasy football enthusiasts.

The Cincinnati Bengals are under pressure to improve their offensive line and provide better protection for quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been under constant threat since entering the league. Despite his talent, Burrow has faced relentless pressure, leading the NFL in sacks in 2021 with 51 and accumulating 196 sacks since 2020. The Bengals must prioritize bolstering their offensive line to ensure Burrow's longevity and effectiveness on the field.

Joe Burrow's stellar performance last season was for naught as the Cincinnati Bengals missed the playoffs, despite Burrow throwing for 4,918 yards and a league-leading 43 touchdowns. This rare occurrence has only happened three times before in NFL history. Burrow's impressive statistics, including a passer rating of 108.5, highlight the team's struggles rather than his individual performance.

This offseason, Cincinnati opted to retain its core, including superstar receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, which raises questions about their ability to improve. The Bengals did fire defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and hired Al Golden, but with limited roster changes, the defense remains a concern. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Bengals face a win total of 9.5 at betting sites, making them a wild-card contender but with tough competition in the AFC North.