Bengals receive dream prediction for 2026 season thanks to their defense

The Cincinnati Bengals, after losing the 2021 Super Bowl to the Los Angeles Rams, have struggled to make another such run deep into the playoffs.

No matter how good Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins play, they've consistently struggled to get over the hump. One of the big reasons why is their defense, which routinely is one of the worst units in the league.

However, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report is predicting that the Bengals will have a dream 2026 season, win a Super Bowl with Joe Burrow winning NFL MVP, all thanks to the major defensive turnaround this season.

Bengals predicted to win Super Bowl thanks to their defense

"Joe Burrow will win NFL MVP and lead the Bengals to Super Bowl LXI," Davenport predicts. "... Burrow will get his better defense this year and make it all the way to SoFi Stadium and Super Bowl LXI, picking up his first MVP award along the way. Then he'll cap off 2026 with the franchise's first championship."

This prediction from Davenport might be the perfect season outcome for the Bengals in 2026. Winning the Super Bowl is the goal, and seeing Burrow win MVP along the way would be awesome as well.

Of course, such a prediction might not be likely. But that doesn't mean it's totally impossible. Burrow has shown MVP-level production before in his career, and with an elite offense, it's possible to put up some incredible numbers.

The defense has been a huge issue the last few years, but after some massive changes, this year's unit is one to have a lot more confidence in.

MORE: Bengals fans should worry about second-year linebackers in 2026

Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, Cashius Howell, and Jonathan Allen were nice additions this offseason.

While there might still be questions in the linebacker and cornerback rooms, the defense has improved significantly this offseason.

This is a bold prediction from Davenport, not because of Burrow winning MVP, but the Bengals winning the Super Bowl, thanks in large part to the revamped defense.

Such a 2026 season outcome would be a dream scenario for the Bengals, and it would only happen because the defense finally turned the corner into being a good unit.

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