CINCINNATI BENGALS

After AFC Championship runs in 2021-22, the Bengals went 9-8 in both 2023 and 2024, missing the playoffs despite elite offensive production. In 2024, Joe Burrow led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns while Ja'Marr Chase won the receiving triple crown, keeping their cards near peak values even without playoff appearances. The 2025 collapse to 6-11 was fueled by Burrow's turf toe injury that cost him much of the season, a defense ranked last in the league, and a third straight playoff miss, dampening demand across the roster except for Chase, who remained an All-Pro despite the team's struggles.

Where they stand: The Bengals enter the 2026 preseason looking to rebound from their 6-11 disaster and end a three-year playoff drought. Cincinnati overhauled its defense this offseason, trading the 10th overall pick for DT Dexter Lawrence and signing safeties Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger plus edge rusher Boye Mafe, though they lost four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to free agency. Training camp opened in late July with Burrow and the team focused on putting the disastrous 2025 season behind them.