With the 2024 NFL season beginning September 4th and week 1 for the Bengals starting on September 8th vs the Patriots, there are a lot of expectations for Cincinnati’s finest.
Key losses on both sides of the ball
Despite these expectations, there were still major losses on offense and defense. Wideout Tyler Boyd was poached by the Tennessee Titans during free agency, which was a massive hit to the receiving core. Looking at the ground game, they lost running back Joe Mixon to Houston, but Cincinnati got a 7th-round pick out of the trade.
Defensively, they lost contributors such as DT DJ Reader and corner Chidobe Awuzie. All were big hits, but with a strong draft and a solid free agency, replacements are on the way.
Cincy Free Agency and Draft Class of 2024
Despite big losses, the Bengals will rely on the “next guy up” mentality. Zach Moss coming in from Indianapolis should plug up the running back void and an expected breakout year from Chase Brown. Both should provide the offense with support on the ground. Third-round pick Jermaine Burton has shown flashes in the preseason as a possible replacement for Tyler Boyd. On top of Burton, newly acquired TE Mike Gesicki should complement the elite wide receiver core. First-rounder Amarius Mims should strengthen the offensive line which struggled in 2023. DTs Kris Jenkins and McKinnely Jackson should fix up the defense despite the loss of Reader. Geno Stone and former Bengal Vonn Bell coming into the building should provide security and maturity in the secondary.
Final X-factors to Consider
Looking around the league, Reigning MVP, Lamar Jackson, will always keep the Ravens in the mix, and Pittsburgh will have an interesting tandem between quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. The Browns are likely to improve with a much healthier team, as they lost countless names last season including Nick Chubb, Grant Delpit, and Deshaun Watson.
The biggest variable to keep in mind is quarterback Joe Burrow’s health. Joe “Cool” has been injury-riddled his whole career but was able to fully participate this offseason. The injuries have definitely taken a toll on his body, but there are no doubts that he can’t come back from his wrist injury. With a healthy Burrow and new weapons in the skill position unit, the offense should take a big leap.
Final Prediction
After looking at the variables, there is a lot of light at the end of the tunnel for the Bengals. There will be some growing pains, but you can expect to see a good team running out onto the field at Paycor Stadium in 2024. In my highly educated (and correct) opinion, I see Cincinnati going 13-4 and making the playoffs after missing the prior year. Their floor is 10-7, but they have a ceiling of 14-3. Only time will tell, but the team will be fun starting September 8th for week 1.
