Schedule release confirms Bengals are the big winners of offseason, says NY Post’s Adam Schein

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Bengals have been named the winners of the 2026 offseason by Adam Schein of the New York Post. With a favorable schedule and a healthy Joe Burrow, they are well-positioned for success this season.

Key points

Cincinnati Bengals recognized as winners of the 2026 offseason
Favorable schedule with semi-easy wins in early games
Joe Burrow's health crucial for team's success

Mentioned in this story

Adam ScheinJoe Burrow

Cincinnati BengalsTampa Bay BuccaneersPittsburgh SteelersMiami Dolphins

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 26: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals participates in a drill during training camp at Kettering Health Practice Fields on July 26, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cincinnati Bengals have been active and unconventional this offseason. They’ve done things fans have been seeking from them for years. And now they’re getting recognized for it. Most recently, Adam Schein, host of the New York Post’s “Schein Time” has named the Bengals his winners of the 2026 offseason. “I’ve been in love all season,” he began in a post. “But I think the big winner after NFL schedule release… The 2026 Cincinnati Bengals.” Schein didn’t provide much reason as to why he feels this way in the post. But Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano went into more detail in a piece he wrote about the winners and losers of the schedule release. Vacchiano noted that injuries to Joe Burrow and slow starts have hurt the Bengals in recent years. With Burrow currently healthy, they’re set up for a decent start and “an incredibly strong finish”. The analyst said the Bengals have “semi-easy wins” in the form of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins in their first five games. “But it’s what happens from Week 8 on where the magic occurs,” Vacchiano continued. “They face just two teams that are projected to finish above .500 in their final 12 games, and they get both of those — December games against the and the — at home. They also will play each of their first seven games at 1 p.m. on Sundays, too.” Others have taken note of how Cincinnati is better positioned to compete this year. Steve Palazzolo and Sam Monson put . Among other things, they like how the team went out and fixed their defensive line.

Q&A

Why did Adam Schein name the Bengals winners of the 2026 offseason?

Adam Schein recognized the Bengals for their active and unconventional offseason moves, positioning them well for the upcoming season.

What does the Bengals' schedule look like for the 2026 season?

The Bengals have a favorable schedule, facing only two teams projected to finish above .500 in their final 12 games, with both December games against the Chiefs and Ravens at home.

How has Joe Burrow's health impacted the Bengals' prospects for 2026?

With Joe Burrow currently healthy, analysts believe the Bengals are set up for a strong start and finish to the season, improving their chances of success.