The Cincinnati Bengals suddenly hit a purple patch in 2021 and 2022. They built a strong team that is anchored by former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow and have put in the missing pieces to allow him to flourish.

The 2023 campaign was a setback due to Burrow’s injuries, but with his return, the Bengals will be raring to make a statement and claim the top spot in the AFC North just as they did not too long ago.

Let us explore the five reasons why the Bengals will win the AFC North this year.

Joe Burrow returns

The biggest positive in the Bengals chase to the top of the AFC North is the healthy return of QB1, Joe Burrow. The main problem with Cincinnati last year was Burrow’s health. Had he remained injury-free, things could have certainly looked different.

Anyway, the past is the past, and looking to the future, Burrow will be entering his fifth season in the NFL. He has developed a great understanding with his teammates and getting back to the grind should not be an issue this time around.

As there seem to be no injury concerns, Burrow can lead the Bengals at 100% health from the start of the new season.

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins

Dual wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins provide the Bengals sufficient firepower as far as the receiving core is concerned. Despite losing Tyler Boyd this offseason, Chase and Higgins are still more than capable of producing at a high rate, especially with Burrow back under center.

When healthy, both players are more than efficient to lead the offense, and while Chase is the true WR1 on the team, Higgins has been a worthy No. 2 for Cincinnati’s offense. In 2021 and 2022, both players hauled in over 1,000 receiving yards.

Alongside Chase and Higgins, the Bengals may have rookie wideout Jermaine Burton as the No. 3 receiver and six-year veteran tight end Mike Gesicki to add to the mix of pass catchers.

Bengals’ 2024 schedule

One of the advantages the Bengals will have in 2024 is their schedule. Since they finished last in their division in 2023, they will get to play other last place teams in the remaining games. That means a matchup with the Patriots and Titans in the AFC and the Panthers in the NFC. None of those teams should test Cincy.

Further, the Bengals play against the AFC West, in which their only tough test should be the Chiefs while the games against the Chargers, Broncos, and Raiders should be winnable. They will play the NFC East from the NFC, and that should give them easier games against the Commanders and the Giants.

As a result, the 2024 schedule is on the easier side for the Bengals to clinch the top spot in the NFC North.

Bengals are on a mission

Cincinnati is on a mission to get back to winning ways. They have made deep playoff runs in both seasons Burrow was fully healthy and almost pulled off a Super Bowl win. The Bengals have built a team around the trio that is Burrow, Chase, and Higgins who believe that it is their time to shine.

Currently, Cincinnati has got many things heading in the right direction. They have a good coaching foundation that is backed by stellar play on both sides of the ball. Coming through the tough AFC conference, the Bengals are the only team outside of the Tom Brady-led Patriots that have been able to go toe-to-toe with the Chiefs and defeat them back in 2021.

Lack of holes on the Bengals’ roster

The Bengals might not be a stacked roster at all position groups, but what they have is an all-around team that can get the job done. There is no major position of concern on the offense and defense. Sure, the interior offensive line may not be the best, but they can still hold their own and have sufficient experience.

Taking a look at what the Bengals did in 2023 gives a fair idea of this unit as a whole. Having lost Burrow early in the season, many have expected Cincinnati to fold. But in spite of finishing last in the AFC North (which, by the way, is the toughest division in the AFC), they still ended their season above .500, going 9-8.

Should Burrow and the core players remain healthy throughout 2024, consider the Bengals at the top of the AFC North by next January.