The Cincinnati Bengals have the feel of a sleeper team worth rooting for in 2020.
It helps that No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow helps the “cool” factor of the franchise right out of the gates. But much of it also simply has to do with the clear-cut improvement the team made via free agency and the draft.
So much so even the non-local outlook has the Bengals as a top bandwagon team.
Here’s NFL.com’s Adam Schein:
“I’m kind of obsessed with what’s going on in Cincy. Joe Burrow has it. He’s going to change the perception — and reality — with the Bengals in the coming years. And I love how the team immediately supported him with the second-round selection of WR Tee Higgins.
The Bengals also (finally) spent money in free agency, smartly addressing the front and back of the defense (see: DT D.J. Reader, CB Trae Waynes, S Vonn Bell). I don’t expect a playoff bid in 2020. This team just went 2-14, after all. But I love where Cincy is headed.”
And why not? Burrow has a bright future and he’s joining a good offense in terms of the skill positions. He’s flanked by a nasty defense. The organization figures to hit on new jerseys soon and historically speaking, the Bengals are a fun underdog that has the upside of finally breaking some longstanding futility marks in the postseason.
Those hopping on the bandwagon now might have to wait a season or two for a massive upswing in winning, as the turnaround from a two-win season isn’t usually immediately big.
But joining now at the start of an era? That’s part of the fun.
