The Steelers are one win or a Ravens loss away from clinching the AFC North title. The division has had a rough year, mainly because Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson missed several games due to injury, the Cleveland Browns fielded one of the weakest rosters in the NFL, and the Cincinnati Bengals lost starting quarterback Joe Burrow for a significant portion of the season because of a toe injury.
Pittsburgh has capitalized on the weaker division, but next season could look different, especially if Burrow can stay healthy.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay recently ranked the NFL teams that missed the playoffs this season based on their chances of making it next year, placing the Bengals at the top of the list.
“As bad as the Bengals’ luck has been, they will have the offensive firepower to capture the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy next year,” Kay wrote on Tuesday. “The team ranked No. 1 in passing in 2024 and will have the upside to reach those heights again in 2026 after locking down the core of Burrow and star wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on long-term extensions.
“Although Cincy can’t control Burrow’s penchant for injury—he’s missed significant time in three of his first six seasons—the team could put itself in far better position to capitalize on a healthy season from the signal-caller by making major defensive improvements.”
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The Bengals are going to need Burrow to stay healthy and upgrade their defense if they want any chance of making the playoffs next season.
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