As the Cincinnati Bengals gear up for the 2026 NFL season, all eyes are on Joe Burrow, who is seen as a frontrunner for the MVP award. Following a disappointing 2025 season that saw the Bengals finish 6-11 and miss the playoffs for the third consecutive year, Burrow's health and performance are critical for head coach Zac Taylor, who faces mounting pressure.

Bettors are optimistic about Burrow's potential, pricing him as the +900 third-favorite for MVP at BetMGM. He leads with 13.9% of tickets and 13.3% of handle, showcasing significant confidence from the betting community. Despite struggling with injuries in the past, Burrow's talent shines through; he has a passer rating of at least 100 with zero playoff starts over his last three seasons.

The Bengals' offensive lineup remains strong, featuring a dynamic receiving duo in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Burrow is also favored to lead the NFL in passing yards (+700) and touchdown passes (+500), with projections of over 4,000 yards and 32.5 touchdowns this season.

However, defensive issues loom large. The Bengals' defense allowed the most rushing yards per game (147.1) and points per game (28.9) last year. To address these concerns, the team acquired defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen, along with safety Bryan Cook, who brings a solid tackling record.

With a projected win total of 10.5, the Bengals are favored to make the playoffs at -190. The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts them for 9.0 wins and a 42.9% chance at postseason play. Success in their opening game against Tampa Bay is crucial, as early losses could jeopardize Taylor's job security. Overall, the Bengals aim for a turnaround season, but the pressure is on to perform.