What were the Cincinnati Bengals' defensive struggles last season?

The Cincinnati Bengals' defense ranked last in the AFC during the previous season.

Who are the key defensive players the Bengals added for 2026?

The Bengals added Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe, and Jonathan Allen to their defense.

What factors are crucial for the Bengals' contention hopes in 2026?

Joe Burrow's health and the overall defensive improvement are considered crucial for the Bengals' contention hopes.

Home / Sports / Bengals: Pretenders or Contenders in 2026?

Bengals: Pretenders or Contenders in 2026?

7 May

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Summary

Bengals defense ranked last in AFC in the previous season.
Key defensive additions include Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe, and Jonathan Allen.
Joe Burrow's health and offensive power are seen as crucial for contention.

Bengals: Pretenders or Contenders in 2026?

The Cincinnati Bengals have made substantial defensive upgrades for the 2026 season, acquiring Dexter Lawrence and signing free agents Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen. Despite these efforts, external analysis suggests the team might still be considered 'pretenders' rather than contenders due to lingering defensive weaknesses.

Last year, the Bengals' defense finished last in the AFC. While new additions aim to bolster the line and secondary, concerns persist regarding the linebacker corps and overall defensive effectiveness. Joe Burrow's injury history also adds a layer of uncertainty.

However, the Bengals possess a potent offense led by Joe Burrow, who is considered an 'ultimate equalizer' capable of keeping the team competitive. If the team can stay healthy and the defense performs closer to its potential on paper, they could achieve significant success this season.

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