Cincinnati Bengals 2023-24 Season Guidebook

While the summer season brings much enjoyment to the average person, for an NFL fan, it represents a desolate wasteland where Sundays just aren't quite as vibrant as in the autumn months.  However, with each passing day, we inch closer to the beginning of the 2023 NFL season, which officially kicks off on September 7 this year.

Whether you've had your favorite team's tweet notifications turned on all summer or if you've decided to tune out all football news entirely, you'll be able to learn everything you need to know about your team going into the 2023-24 season right here.
 
In today's article, I'll be discussing the Cincinnati Bengals.

I wrote a guidebook for every team in the NFL heading into the 2023 season.  To check out an article for another team, click the link below:
https://www.bucketsquadsportsreports.com/nfl

2022 Season Recap

Cincinnati followed up their Super Bowl appearance in 2021 by piecing together a 12-4 regular season record and repeating as AFC North champions.  After surviving against the Ravens and dominating the Bills in Buffalo, they lost a heartbreakingly close and controversial game against the eventual Super Bowl champion Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
 
Led by superstar quarterback Joe Burrow and an explosive offense, the Bengals finished inside the top 7 in both points scored and points allowed per game.  The offense exceled in passing the ball but struggled to run at times, while the defense was the exact opposite.  They had all the necessary pieces to get back to the Super Bowl last season, but the depth of the AFC is going to make that an immense challenge year in and year out. 

Significant Roster Moves

Cincinnati decided to replace a lot of guys in the secondary after another season with a sub-par passing defense.  CB Eli Apple and Safeties Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates III all started nearly every game last year.  But all three will be suiting up for different teams in 2023.  They signed Nick Scott from the LA Rams to replace one of those safety spots and promoted from within to fill the remaining holes.  Irv Smith Jr. will be a nice replacement for Hayden Hurst at tight end, and Orlando Brown Jr. should provide Joe Burrow with much needed protection at left tackle.
 
2023 Draft Class

Though they spent their first round pick on a defensive end, Cincinnati didn’t forget about adding depth at defensive back and wide receiver in the draft.  Every pick in this year’s class should make some sort of impact on the field this season at some point.  Myles Murphy, DJ Turner, Jordan Battle, and Chase Brown will likely make the most immediate impact out of the eight members.
 
Season Schedule

The Bengals will take on the AFC South and the NFC West in 2023 to go along with their six divisional games.  Their other three opponents are the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, and Kansas City Chiefs.  With an opponent prior season win percentage of .510, Cincinnati has the 16th hardest schedule in the NFL.

Cincinnati's primetime games include a Thursday night game at Baltimore, a Sunday night game versus Buffalo, and two Monday night games versus the LA Rams and at Jacksonville.  They also play on Saturday in Week 16 at Pittsburgh.
 
Depth Charts

​Offense

Defense

Special Teams

The Bengals return 17 of their 22 offensive and defensive starters from last year, which makes them set up to have another successful season.  They’re geared up to make another Super Bowl run as the anticipated best team in the AFC North.
 
Coaching Staff

Zac Taylor returns for his 5th season as head coach of the Bengals.  He returns all three coordinators from last season as well: Offensive Coordinator Brian Callahan (5th season), Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo (5th season), and Special Teams Coordinator Darrin Simmons (11th season).
 
Betting Odds

Oddsmakers have set the regular season win total for Cincinnati at 10.5 games.  As of right now, the Bengals are the favorite to win the AFC North and the 3rd most likely team to win the AFC.  At +1100 to win Super Bowl LVIII, they are tied for 5th among all teams in the league.
 
Bucket Squad Predictions

Bucket Squad Sports Reports predicts the Bengals to finish 12-5 and win the AFC North in 2023, finishing 2nd overall in the AFC and clinching a spot in the postseason.

What do you think?  Will Cincinnati be better or worse than I'm projecting?  What offseason moves made by the Bengals surprised you the most?  Leave a comment down below and be sure to check the "NFL" section of the website for more NFL team guidebooks as I finish them.

Written by Nick Swatson