There’s no dodging the expectations in 2025. Cincinnati can’t fumble another season of Burrow’s prime. It’s playoffs (and more) or bust for the Bengals, who are once again poised to boast an elite offense while hanging on for dear life with just enough defense.

Burrow’s name is usually up there alongside the likes of Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. A few other names usually rotate into or near the conversation depending on the year, highlighted by Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.

The Bengals are playing games with their first-round pick Shemar Stewart so analysts are projecting trades for him and one included the Bucs.

At 28 years old, Burrow has put up impressive numbers throughout his five-year NFL career. He has thrown for 19,001 yards, 140 touchdowns, and 46 interceptions, while completing 68.6 percent of his passes in 69 games. Those numbers have come despite two seasons with major injury issues.

The Bengals need Amarius Mims to boom quickly for an offensive line that didn't get much in the way of upgrades this offseason.

CINCINNATI — Is Zac Taylor on the coaching hot seat entering the 2025 season? Pro Football Focus writer Bradley Locker thinks so after including him among 10 coaches facing the neat this fall. Taylor has coached the Bengals since 2019.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach, Zac Taylor, named a hot seat candidate for 2025 by Pro Football Focus after coming off of a 9-8 season.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor might be on the hot seat in 2025, sure. But what about a former understudy such as Brian Callahan?