CBS Sports analysis suggests Bengals offer divisional value despite 2025 struggles
With defensive reinforcements and a retained coaching staff, analysts identify the Bengals as a potential value play in the AFC North, contrasting their recent performance with projected structural improvements.
CBS Sports has released a comprehensive betting preview for the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2026 NFL season, evaluating the team’s strategic positioning following a challenging 2025 campaign. The analysis centres on the organisation’s ability to reverse a three-year trend of missing the over on win totals, a period defined by a 6-11 record in 2025 and significant health concerns for quarterback Joe Burrow.
Head coach Zac Taylor has retained his position, remaining the only returning head coach in the AFC North. This continuity is viewed as a stabilising factor as the team attempts to rebuild after two consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances. The preview notes that while the offensive line provided adequate protection by finishing 10th in sacks per pass attempt, the unit’s per-play efficiency in both the passing and running games remained below average.
The core of the 2026 strategy appears to be a substantial overhaul of the defensive line, which finished last in overall yards allowed per play and within the bottom four for both run and pass defence. The Bengals addressed this by acquiring defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence, selected with the No. 10 overall pick, and Jonathan Allen. Edge rushers Boye Mafe and Cashius Howell were also added to support the front seven, alongside safety Bryan Cook.
Schedule dynamics play a critical role in the assessment, with the Bengals set to open the 2026 season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The preview highlights a favourable slate of games against NFC South opponents as a key mechanism for securing double-digit wins, despite a late-season matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Comparative analysis within the preview suggests the Bengals present greater value than divisional rival Baltimore Ravens, who face their own defensive uncertainties and a new coaching staff. While the Chiefs remain a formidable obstacle, the combination of defensive upgrades and a manageable conference schedule leads analysts to project the Bengals as a viable contender for the division title.
