Cincinnati Bengals: 5 Bold Predictions For The 2016 NFL Season
The Cincinnati Bengals are thirsting for a Super Bowl title and it has been a rough past few seasons. Last year was a brutal end to the season, as late game penalties lost them a Wild Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Looking ahead to 2016, the Bengals need to step up and prove that they are a serious contender in the AFC.
Marvin Lewis has not had the kind of success in Cincinnati that many would like to see. There is a chance that he could be coaching for his job this season depending on how the year goes.
Looking ahead at the upcoming season, there are reasons for the Bengals’ fan base to believe that their team has a legitimate chance to contend for a championship.
Andy Dalton will come back healthy after having a huge 2015 season before his injury occurred. They will also have a high-caliber defense once again this season. If the hard-hitting playmakers on the defense can keep their heads on straight, there is no telling how dominant the unit could become.
Cincinnati has a lot of talent on their roster, but putting everything together is a different story. It will be an exciting season in the AFC North, but only time will tell what the Bengals are capable of.
What five bold predictions can be made for the Cincinnati Bengals heading into the 2016 NFL season?
Last season in the 13 games that Andy Dalton played, he completed 66.1 percent of his pass attempts for 3,250 yards, 25 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. It was the breakout season that many had been waiting to see from him. Dalton will come back in 2016 after his disappointing injury and will be better than ever and possibly in the conversation for MVP.
Jeremy Hill Will Break The 1,000-Yard Mark With 12 Touchdowns
Just two short years ago, Jeremy Hill broke onto the scene as a rookie with the Bengals. He racked up just 794 rushing yards last season, although he did score 11 touchdowns. Hill will break the 1,000-yard mark this season and will also score at least 12 touchdowns throughout the season and will be one of the most dangerous running backs in the NFL.
A.J. Green Will Record At Least 1,500 Receiving Yards, 15 Touchdowns
Keeping with the statistical bold predictions, star wide receiver A.J. Green is in store for yet another big season. He will record at least 1,500 receiving yards and will also catch 15 touchdowns or more. There is no question that he is one of the top receivers in the game and he will show why once again this year.
Even with the competition that the Bengals are going to receive from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, they are still a very talented team. All three teams are capable of taking the division, but the Bengals believe that Dalton and the rest of the offensive firepower they have can take them to the next level. Add in the impressive defense that the Bengals have and it is safe to predict them as division winners.
The Cincinnati Bengals Win Super Bowl 51
This is obviously the boldest prediction that can be made for any team in any given year. Cincinnati has a lot of work to do and things to prove, but they are a capable Super Bowl contender. Fans need to buckle up and get ready for what could be an incredible season for the Bengals.
Expect to see the Bengals be a very competitive team in the AFC this season and don’t be shocked if they pull out a division win. Dalton has to come out just as good this season as he did last year for the Bengals to have any chance at a Super Bowl appearance. There is no doubt that the Bengals are in for an entertaining season.
Do you think that the Cincinnati Bengals are legitimate Super Bowl contenders? What are your thoughts on the five bold predictions that were made? Let us know in the comment box below!
[AP Photo/Frank Victores]
