cincinnati bengals

Team Overview

The Cincinnati Bengals enter 2025 with a high-octane offense led by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, but their defense remains a question mark after a 9-8 season in 2024 that missed the playoffs. A late five-game win streak showed resilience, but facing seven playoff teams (six on the road) in 2025 makes survivor pool picks tricky. This analysis breaks down their roster, draft, metrics, and schedule to help you navigate your pool with confidence.


Team Roster Review

Offense

  • Quarterback: Joe Burrow (4,697 passing yards, 40 TDs in 2024), Jake Browning. Burrow’s elite accuracy and clutch play (5th in QBR) make him a top-5 QB, though injury concerns linger.
  • Running Backs: Zack Moss (820 yards, 8 TDs in 2024), Chase Brown, Tahj Brooks (rookie), Samaje Perine. Moss and Brown form a balanced duo, with Brooks adding depth.
  • Wide Receivers: Ja’Marr Chase (1,400+ yards, 12 TDs in 2024), Tee Higgins, Jermaine Burton, Andrei Iosivas. Chase is a superstar, and Higgins’ return ensures a top-tier WR duo.
  • Tight Ends: Erick All Jr. (rookie), Mike Gesicki, Tanner Hudson. All’s blocking and receiving upside replaces Drew Sample, with Gesicki as a pass-catching threat.
  • Offensive Line: Orlando Brown Jr., Amarius Mims, Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, Dylan Fairchild (rookie). Mims’ development and Fairchild’s addition bolster a solid unit, though depth is unproven.


Defense

  • Defensive Line: Trey Hendrickson (14 sacks in 2024), Sam Hubbard, Kris Jenkins (rookie), McKinnley Jackson (rookie). Hendrickson’s pass-rush dominance is key, but interior depth needs work.
  • Linebackers: Demetrius Knight (rookie), Germaine Pratt, Logan Wilson. Knight’s man-coverage struggles are a concern, but Pratt and Wilson’s tackling provide stability.
  • Secondary: Cam Taylor-Britt, DJ Turner II, Daxton Hill, L. Robinson (rookie). A young group with potential, but 2024’s 22nd-ranked pass defense (237.2 YPG) needs improvement.
  • Special Teams: Kicker Evan McPherson (88% FG in 2024), Punter Austin McNamara (rookie), LS Cal Adomitis. McPherson’s clutch kicking is a strength; McNamara’s college punting prowess adds intrigue.


2025 Draft Class

  • Round 1, Pick 17: OT Josh Simmons (Ohio State) – Elite pass protector; injury dropped him to mid-first.
  • Round 2, Pick 49: DT Kris Jenkins (Michigan) – Run-stopper with pass-rush upside.
  • Round 3, Pick 80: WR Jermaine Burton (Alabama) – Downfield threat for Burrow.
  • Round 3, Pick 97: DT McKinnley Jackson (Texas A&M) – Nose tackle to clog lanes.
  • Round 3, Pick 98: LB Demetrius Knight – High-upside tackler, needs speed.
  • Round 4, Pick 114: G Dylan Fairchild – Immediate starter potential.
  • Round 5, Pick 149: CB L. Robinson – Depth with special teams value.
  • Round 6, Pick 194: TE Erick All Jr. – Versatile blocker and receiver.
  • Round 7, Pick 224: RB Tahj Brooks – Depth behind Moss and Brown.
  • Round 7, Pick 237: P Austin McNamara – Big-legged punter for field position.


Team Offense and Defense Metrics (2024 Season)

  • Offense: Ranked 7th in total yards (5,987) and 6th in points (26.8 PPG). Burrow’s 40 TDs and Chase’s 1,400+ yards powered a top-10 passing attack (258.3 YPG). The run game was average (4.3 YPC).
  • Defense: Struggled, ranking 22nd in pass defense (237.2 YPG) and 19th in points allowed (22.6 PPG). Hendrickson’s 14 sacks led a solid pass rush (42 sacks), but only 12 takeaways (31st) hurt.
  • 2025 Outlook: The offense should remain elite with Burrow, Chase, and Higgins, but the defense needs Jenkins and Knight to step up. A tough schedule with six road playoff matchups raises concerns.


2025 Schedule Analysis

Week Date Opponent Location Time/Network Win Probability Survivor Pool Fit
1 Sun, 9/7 New England Patriots Home 1:00 PM ET, CBS 80% Top-Tier: Patriots’ offense is rebuilding; Bengals’ home opener is a lock.
2 Sun, 9/14 Jacksonville Jaguars Home 1:00 PM ET, CBS 75% Strong: Jags’ defense struggles; Bengals’ passing attack should dominate.
3 Sun, 9/21 Minnesota Vikings Home 1:00 PM ET, CBS 60% Moderate: Vikings’ offense is potent, but Bengals’ home edge helps.
4 Sun, 9/28 Denver Broncos Away 8:15 PM ET, ABC 50% Poor: Road game vs. a playoff team; Bo Nix’s growth makes it risky.
5 Sun, 10/5 Detroit Lions Home 4:25 PM ET, FOX 55% Poor: Lions’ high-powered offense is a tough matchup, even at home.
6 Sun, 10/12 Seattle Seahawks Away 1:00 PM ET, FOX 50% Poor: Road game vs. a physical NFC team; upset potential high.
7 Sun, Oct 19 Pittsburgh Steelers Home 8:15 PM ET, ESPN 60% Moderate: Divisional game; Steelers’ defense is tough, but home edge helps.
8 Sun, 10/26 Philadelphia Eagles Home 1:00 PM ET, FOX 55% Poor: Eagles’ balanced roster makes this a risky home game.
9 Sun, 11/2 Chicago Bears Home 1:00 PM ET, CBS 75% Strong: Bears’ offense lacks consistency; Bengals’ passing game shines.
10 Sun, 11/9 New York Jets Away 1:00 PM ET, CBS 50% Poor: Jets’ defense and home field make this a trap game.
11 Sun, 11/16 Pittsburgh Steelers Away 1:00 PM ET, CBS 45% Poor: Divisional road game; Steelers’ physicality is a nightmare.
12 Sun, 11/23 New England Patriots Away 1:00 PM ET, CBS 65% Moderate: Patriots are weak, but road games carry risk.
13 Thu, Nov 27 Baltimore Ravens Away 8:20 PM ET, NBC 40% Poor: Divisional road game vs. a playoff team; avoid at all costs.
14 Sun, 12/7 Buffalo Bills Away 4:25 PM ET, FOX 40% Poor: Bills’ offense and home field make this a survivor pool killer.
15 Sun, 12/14 Baltimore Ravens Home 1:00 PM ET, CBS 45% Poor: Divisional rematch; Ravens’ run game exploits Bengals’ defense.
16 Sun, 12/21 Miami Dolphins Home 8:20 PM ET, NBC 60% Moderate: Dolphins’ speed is a challenge, but Bengals’ home edge helps.
17 Sun, 12/28 Arizona Cardinals Home 1:00 PM ET, TBD 70% Strong: Cardinals’ road struggles make this a safe late-season pick.
18 Sat, 1/4 Cleveland Browns Home 1:00 PM ET, TBD 65% Moderate: Divisional game; Browns’ defense is tough, but home field helps.

*Win probabilities are estimated based on 2024 performance, roster changes, and opponent strength (Sharp Football Analysis).

A screenshot of an app called the survivor pool calculator

Notes on Key Stats from 2024

  • Late Surge: The Bengals’ 5-0 finish after a 4-8 start showed Burrow’s clutch ability and offensive firepower, but defensive inconsistency cost them a playoff spot.
  • Takeaway Struggles: Only 12 takeaways (31st) crippled the defense, addressed by drafting Jenkins and Knight.
  • No-Punt Game: Week 3’s loss to Washington was a historic no-punt, no-turnover game, highlighting offensive efficiency but defensive leaks.
  • Burrow’s Excellence: His 40 TDs and 4,697 yards ranked top-5, making the offense a survivor pool asset against weaker defenses.


Survivor Pool Strategy

The Bengals are a Streamable survivor pool option due to their elite offense and favorable early home games, but their tough schedule (seven playoff teams) and defensive woes limit their anchor status. Prioritize home matchups against non-playoff teams to maximize win probability. Avoid divisional games and road trips against elite opponents, as the Bengals’ 4-4 road record in 2024 signals volatility.


Best Survivor Picks

  • Week 1 vs. New England Patriots (80%): The Patriots’ rebuilding offense faces a brutal matchup against Burrow and Chase at home. A popular chalk pick, but safe.
  • Week 2 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (75%): Jacksonville’s defense struggles against elite passing attacks, making this a strong early home pick.
  • Week 9 vs. Chicago Bears (75%): The Bears’ offense lacks the firepower to keep up with Cincinnati’s passing game at Paycor Stadium.


Weeks to Avoid

  • Week 4 at Denver Broncos: A prime-time road game against a playoff team with a rising QB (Bo Nix) is a trap.
  • Week 13 at Baltimore Ravens: Divisional road games are volatile, and Baltimore’s run game exploits Cincinnati’s defense.
  • Week 14 at Buffalo Bills: Facing Josh Allen on the road against a playoff contender is a survivor pool death sentence.
  • Week 11 at Pittsburgh Steelers: A divisional road game against a physical defense is too risky.


Additional Survivor Pool Considerations

  • Home Strength: The Bengals were 5-3 at home in 2024, making Weeks 1, 2, 9, and 17 prime targets. Paycor Stadium’s crowd boosts their edge.
  • Defensive Concerns: A 22nd-ranked pass defense and low takeaway rate make matchups against high-powered offenses (Weeks 5, 8, 14) dangerous.
  • Pool Size: In large pools, avoid Week 1 due to its popularity. In smaller pools, lean on Weeks 1 and 9 for high win odds.
  • Injury Watch: Burrow’s health is critical; monitor his status, as Browning isn’t at the same level.


Final Verdict

The Cincinnati Bengals are a solid survivor pool pick for 2025, with a high-powered offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, but their defensive struggles and brutal schedule demand caution. Weeks 1, 2, and 9 are your best bets, offering high win probabilities at home against weaker opponents. Avoid road games and divisional matchups to preserve their value. Use the Bengals early to capitalize on their home dominance, but don’t expect them to carry you deep due to their tough slate.

  • What are the best weeks to pick the Cincinnati Bengals in a 2025 NFL Survivor Pool?

    Weeks 1 (vs. Patriots, 80%), 2 (vs. Jaguars, 75%), and 9 (vs. Bears, 75%) are the safest picks due to favorable home matchups against non-playoff teams.

  • Why should I avoid the Bengals in divisional games for survivor pools?

    Divisional games (Weeks 7, 11, 13, 15, 18) are risky due to familiarity and upset potential, especially on the road against Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

  • How does the Bengals’ 2025 schedule impact survivor pool strategy?

    Facing seven playoff teams, including six on the road, makes the Bengals a risky mid-to-late season pick. Stick to early home games against weaker opponents.

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