Kevin Szafraniec explains why Cincinnati’s unorthodox roster construction could result in even more outlandish fantasy scoring for Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and the rest of the gang in 2025.
Over the years, Cincinnati’s front office has developed a reputation as being quirky, to put it nicely. Other ways to describe them would be “frugal,” “difficult,” or “downright cheap.” However, the team has been able to hit on some star talents in recent seasons, and even the organization’s brass is aware that they have the potential to build something special.
When Joe Burrow signed his contract extension in 2023, his $55M average annual salary was the highest in league history and still ranks in a four-way tie for second in the entire NFL. Following some contention with the organization last offseason, Ja’Marr Chase signed the largest contract for any non-quarterback in NFL history this past March. Additionally, Cincinnati re-signed Chase’s running mate, Tee Higgins, to a four-year contract that makes him the ninth-highest-paid wide receiver in the league.
However, the infusion of cash into the passing game has led to cutbacks in other areas, most notably on the defensive side of the ball. As the Bengals front office looks to do right by some of their players, they have chosen to overcompensate in the opposite direction concerning others. If Cincinnati truly believes their current course of action will lead to the franchise contending for the Lombardi Trophy this season, they are truly delusional. But for fantasy managers, the missteps of the Bengals front office could lead to the team’s high-priced superstars proving they are worth every penny of their inflated price tags.
AFC North
- Baltimore Ravens: There is No End in Sight for Lamar Jackson’s Fantasy Domination
- Cleveland Browns: There are Gems to be Found on Kevin Stefanski’s Offense If You Know Where to Look
AFC South
- Houston Texans: Why New Weapons and a New Scheme Will Lead to a C.J. Stroud Bounceback
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 2025 Represents Trevor Lawrence’s Best Chance Yet to Reach His Ceiling
- Tennessee Titans: Will an Abundance of Garbage Time Result in Tennessee’s Late-Round Skill-Position Players Returning Big-Time Fantasy Value?
AFC East
- Miami Dolphins: Whose Fantasy Arrows Are Pointing Up on a Miami Offense Heading in the Opposite Direction?
- New York Jets: A Shift in Offensive Philosophy Could Result in Breece Hall and Isaiah Davis Forming the Best Backfield in the AFC
AFC West
- Denver Broncos: Bo Nix is About to Join the Ranks of the NFL’s Elite QBs
- Los Angeles Chargers: Has Justin Herbert Forced Greg Roman to Rethink His Offensive Approach?
NFC North
- Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy Finds Himself in the Middle of the Perfect Storm for Fantasy Production
- Green Bay Packers: Why The NFL’s Most Complete Roster is Finally About to Get the Attention It Deserves
NFC South
- Atlanta Falcons: Which Players Are Primed to Help Take the Atlanta Offense to the Next Level?
- Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young is Finally Ready to Deliver on His College Potential
NFC East
- Philadelphia Eagles: Why Small Changes Could Lead to Even Bigger Fantasy Scoring in 2025
- Dallas Cowboys: A New Offensive Direction is Exactly What Dak Prescott Needs to Get Back on Track
NFC West
- San Francisco 49ers: Make Sure You Are Rostering The Next Wave of Stars in Kyle Shanahan’s Offense
- Arizona Cardinals: Why Kyler Murray Will Overcome His Doubters and Return to His Elite Ways
- Los Angeles Rams: History is Getting Ready to Repeat Itself in L.A. as Puka Nacua Eyes 2025’s overall WR1 spot
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
Last season, the Bengals were able to match their 9-8 record from 2023 while taking a big step forward on offense and a small step back on defense. Anchored by the league’s top-ranked passing attack, Cincinnati averaged an additional 6.23 points per game and 0.65 more points per drive in 2024 over the year prior.
On defense, the Bengals actually improved in every facet except scoring, falling from 21st in 2023 to 25th in 2024. However, Cincinnati made strides everywhere else, ranking 25th in total defense (31st in 2023), 21st against the pass (28th in 2023), and 19th against the run (26th in 2023).
