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NFL
ESPN's Dan Orlovsky picks Bengals to win AFC North
TL;DR
Dan Orlovsky predicts the Cincinnati Bengals will win the AFC North in the 2026 NFL season, emphasizing the importance of this year for the team and quarterback Joe Burrow. He noted the pressure on the Bengals to perform after three consecutive playoff-less seasons.
Key points
- Dan Orlovsky predicts Bengals will win AFC North
- 2026 season is crucial for Bengals and Joe Burrow
- Bengals have invested in new defensive starters
- Three straight years without playoffs for Bengals
- Pressure on Bengals to perform this season
Mentioned in this story
Dan OrlovskyJoe BurrowDexter LawrenceWillie Anderson
Cincinnati Bengals
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky seems to be changing his tune about the Cincinnati Bengals' prospects for the 2026 NFL season.
Orlovsky told Pat McAfee May 8 he expects the Bengals to win the AFC North.
"Right now, (the Bengals) would be my pick to win the division," Orlovsky said. "I think it's obviously a huge year for Cincinnati, for Joe (Burrow). That's why they make the trade for Dexter Lawrence. A bunch of new starters on defense that just have to pay off for them."
"They're three straight years without the playoffs," Orlovsky continued. "(If) they don't go again with what they've invested now into the team and kind of given Joe what is needed and wanted, at least by reports, you could absolutely see it getting very noisy, and him wanting out."
In April, former Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson responded to a tweet by Orlovsky by defending the team's offensive line, after Orlovsky pointed out that each of Cincinnati's AFC North rivals has a great pass rusher.
"The Cincy defensive improvements will be lipstick on a pig if they can’t block those guys," Orlovsky tweeted.
"Boy Dan hates the Bengals!" Anderson replied. "This (is) his usual offseason commentary about how the Bengals O-line is not protecting Joe. C'mon Dan! This (is) not 2021 O-line. Look what they did for Flacco and when Joe (Burrow) came back. He was barely touched and they ran the ball solid to good."
Q&A
Why does Dan Orlovsky believe the Bengals will win the AFC North?
Orlovsky believes the Bengals have made significant investments, including new defensive starters, which he thinks will help them succeed this season.
What are the implications for Joe Burrow if the Bengals fail to make the playoffs again?
If the Bengals miss the playoffs again, it could lead to dissatisfaction from Burrow, potentially causing him to consider leaving the team.
Who did the Bengals acquire to strengthen their defense?
The Bengals acquired Dexter Lawrence to bolster their defensive line as part of their strategy to improve for the upcoming season.