The Cincinnati Bengals loved the underdog role in recent years.
Good news for the Joe Burrow-led squad then — they’re massive underdogs going into 2020 after a 2-14 season and a big overhaul to the roster.
The big overhaul and other factors play into the Bengals ranking 30th in ESPN’s official 2020 FPI reveal:
30. Cincinnati Bengals
Projected wins: 5.6
Chance to reach playoffs: 8%
What goes in to the FPI model? ESPN explained:
“FPI is our prediction model for the NFL. Preseason ratings are based on each team’s Las Vegas win total; last season’s performance on offense, defense and special teams; the number of returning starters; coaching staff changes; and starting and backup quarterbacks.”
No wonder the Bengals only sit above the Redskins and Jaguars in the rankings.
Cincinnati struggled mightily in all phases last year and will start several new faces on defense after an active trip to free agency and the draft on that side of the ball. Burrow is obviously a question mark too as he gets ready to step in behind a rebuilding offensive line and a cast of skill position weapons with injury questions, starting with A.J. Green.
Still, the Bengals should put the FPI model to good test this year. After inheriting the last staff’s roster, Zac Taylor and Co. finally got to reset it in the way they want and hope to have improved play under center.
