Sports Illustrated Projects Bengals to Post 9-8 Record During 2025 Season

Not a lot of confidence in the Bengals chances to win the AFC North.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) runs through drills during practice, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Kettering Health Practice Fields in Downtown Cincinnati. | Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — The 2025 NFL schedule is set, as Sports Illustrated followed the Wednesday release with a record prediction for the Bengals.

Matt Verdarame has déjà vu striking the team for a third consecutive year. He projected a 9-8 finish while the Ravens ran away with the AFC North at 12-5. 

"Cincinnati will benefit from a third-place schedule, but will the Bengals be able to stop anybody? They’ll play some high-flying offenses in Baltimore and perhaps a revamped Pittsburgh attack, along with the Packers, Vikings, Bills, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and Detroit Lions. New defensive coordinator Al Golden will be tested early and often," Verdarame wrote.

Cincinnati thinks of itself as a Super Bowl contender, but that's not the profile of most 9-8 teams.

The defensive questions are valid amidst Trey Hendrickson's contract dispute and no major additions on that side of the ball. Cincinnati ranked 25th in points allowed per game last season (25.5 points per game allowed).

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