Last season, the Cincinnati Bengals stumbled in the AFC, with Joe Burrow’s injury issues hindering the team’s success, resulting in a 6-11 record and no postseason.

However, Burrow will return to the field healthy for the new season, bringing renewed optimism in his team’s chances at achieving a better 2026-27 campaign.

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And ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter fully believes this is a team that can achieve a lot in the coming season behind their star quarterback, if he remains healthy.

“If Joe Burrow’s healthy, they’re probably going to be playing with a lead a lot of the time. And it should take the pressure off what should be a much-improved defense,” Schefter said on ESPN’s “Get Up.”

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“Joe Burrow himself has said that this is the best roster that he’s played with in Cincinnati, and if we go back and look, the Bengals did go to a Super Bowl before and nearly won it in Los Angeles with Joe Burrow playing,” he said.

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“And also, let’s remember this: their schedule is about as easy as any schedule in the league. It seems perfectly set for the Bengals to have a big year and to be a dangerous team,” Schefter said.

With the Bengals not having to play powerhouse teams like the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, or Los Angeles Rams, their toughest matchups are from their division. There’s also a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, who could be better with Patrick Mahomes on the field again.

Otherwise, they have many winnable games on that schedule, and sportsbooks seem to agree. The Bengals’ over/under for wins this season is 9.5 wins.

Burrow threw for 1,809 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, playing in only eight games, the fewest of any season in his career, due to suffering severe Grade 3 turf toe. However, he’s back on the field and optimistic about this team’s upcoming season.

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He previously led the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 2022, where they fell to Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams.

A healthy Burrow, a fresh slate, and a very easy schedule compared to other teams seemingly give the Cincinnati Bengals the potential for a massive 2026-27 NFL season.

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