Of course, the Bengals have to actually beat the Browns and Jaguars for this gift of an opening slate to matter. And with more contract drama hanging in the air before training camp via Trey Hendrickson, who knows if a slow start can be avoided again.

In 2025, Zac Taylor’s team looks to return to its winning ways. Over the offseason, Cincinnati shored up its roster by signing projected starters T.J. Slaton and Oren Burks. In the draft, the Bengals snagged defensive end Shemar Stewart and linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. Now, all they have to do is produce like it’s 2021 (or ’22).