2023 Cincinnati Bengals Outlook (5/18)

On the surface, my early projection for the Bengals and Joe Burrow may look ambitious on my part. In 2022, Cincinnati attempted 610 passes over 16 games (38.1 per week), putting them on pace for 648 if they didn’t have one game postponed. My starting point was 652 passes, but I expect the return of some big plays for their wideouts. Therefore, based on the receiving weapons, the passing pie added up to 8.3 yards per pass attempt with a repeated output in touchdowns.

I’ve slotted Chase Brown as their RB2 while expecting positive training camp news about his opportunity. I expect Joe Mixon to get a bump in third down chances due to his ability to pass protect, but he could lose more early down carries if Brown can break free more often into the second level of the defense.

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have high floors and explosive ceilings, but they need the Bengals’ offensive line to give Joe Burrow a longer passing window to reach their potential. Irv Smith is a wild card until he proves he can stay on the field for an entire season. Charlie Jones gives Cincinnati another dangerous weapon, but he can’t make an impact without WR3 snaps, which shouldn’t happen with Tyler Boyd still in the mix for targets.