Dan Orlovsky expects a steep turnaround from the Cincinnati Bengals in 2026. The Bengals missed the playoffs for the third straight time with a 6-11 record last season, but they harbor hopes of returning to title contention behind a healthy Joe Burrow and revamped defense that added Dexter Lawrence. Orlovsky predicted the Bengals to reclaim the AFC North with a gaudy record.
"I think the Bengals go 13-4 this year," Orlovsky said on Friday's The Pat McAfee Show. "I think they win the division." Orlovsky called Cincinnati's schedule the "softest in the league." ESPN's Football Power Index gives the Bengals the easiest strength of schedule, as they play 12 games against teams that posted a losing record last season. That includes games against the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, and Patrick Mahomes should be healthy for their December encounter.
Orlovsky may have forgotten about that matchup when commenting on Cincinnati's opposition. "I don't know, outside of Lamar, the top quarterback that they will play against," Orlovsky said. "They're not playing against a murderer's row of quarterbacks." Joe Burrow raised the level of urgency for a rebound when declaring that he's "tired of saying next year." Orlovsky interpreted Burrow's message to mean, "Win or I'm out." The former quarterback anticipates changes if Cincinnati doesn't improve in 2026.
Outside of Drew Brees, Orlovsky couldn't recall many cases of an elite quarterback missing the playoffs three or more consecutive times, so he can't imagine Burrow being content if it happens again. Orlovsky can envision Burrow wanting out if the offensive line and defense don't help him more, but the ESPN personality doesn't think the Bengals will have to deal with that doomsday scenario. "I think it will be different," Orlovsky declared.
"I fully expect them to be an awesome team."
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