Cincinnati Bengals 2016 Season Preview

(photo credit: newsday.com)

2015 was one of the best Bengals seasons in recent memory, and if it wasn't for two games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati could have made the Super Bowl. Marvin Lewis's squad won the AFC North and had the second best defense in the league and looked primed to make a Super Bowl run. Andy Dalton was having the best season of his career before he broke his thumb in Week 14. While that could have been disastrous to most teams backup A.J. McCarron was able to steady the ship, going 2 – 1 as a starter.

After a historic meltdown in the AFC Wild Card game against the Steelers, Cincy looked to upgrade the roster enough to make the Super Bowl. The Bengals drafted Pittsburgh wideout Tyler Boyd, giving Dalton another deep target to go with All-Pro A.J. Green. As for their defense they were able to sign linebacker Karlos Dansby. Other additions came though the draft in first round pick Houston corner William Jackson III and third rounder out of Utah State, Nick Vigil.

As long as Dalton can continue to play at a Pro Bowl level the Bengals offense should continue to move the ball. He'll be assisted by the running back duo of Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill who ran for over 1,500 yards last season. As long as Vontaze Burfict and Adam Jones keep their cool and Geno Atkins continues to be an amazing defensive lineman, Cincy will have a top flight defense. With both sides of the ball solidified, the Bengals are the favorite to repeat as AFC North Champions and Super Bowl contenders.