2014 Record: 10-5-1
2015 Non Division Opponents: AFC West, NFC West, Buffalo, & Houston
2014 in review: For the fourth consecutive year, the Bengals made the playoffs. For the fourth consecutive year, the Bengals lost on Wild Card Weekend. Everyone is waiting for the Bengals to make the leap, but all signs point to them reaching their peak with Andy Dalton at the helm. Dalton has proven to be an excellent game manager in the regular season, but it’s a different story in the playoffs. Dalton has 1 touchdown and six interceptions in his playoff career. A career with a 0-4 record. It’s not easy to get to the playoffs every year. One of these trips the Bengals need to cash in.
2015 offseason: Cincinnati made two key Free Agent acquisitions, both of which were on the defensive side of the ball. The big contract went to DE Michael Johnson, formerly of Tampa Bay. Johnson received a four year $20 million deal. The other signing was veteran linebacker AJ Hawk. Hawk will provide depth and be a fixture in the linebacker rotation, while Johnson is slotted as the starting defensive end.
2015 Draft: The Bengals did not draft for need with their first three picks, as they drafted two offensive linemen and a backup tight end. While these players may contribute down the road they are all projected to have minimal production this season.
Player on the Hot Seat: It’s Andy Dalton. He’s heard the same thing for years now, but he continues to do enough in the regular season, and then wilt in the playoffs. He can go 15-1 this year, but none of it matters until January. It’s actually a good position to be in. There’s no pressure in the regular season, so he should be able to play loose and continue to pile up wins. The best thing Dalton can do is overtake Pittsburgh and Baltimore, so at least he can get another crack at a home playoff game.
Players you want on your fantasy team: Dalton isn’t sexy, but he’s serviceable. He had a down year last year because of the injury to AJ Green, but he is still averaging 25 touchdown passes per season over his four year career. AJ Green is a top flight receiver, and Marvin Jones is up and coming. Jeremy Hill has proven he can be trusted as a top back and is an excellent choice after the big names are off the board.
Season Prediction: As I said in the open, it’s not easy to make the playoffs every year. This is the year it stops for the Bengals. SFTB prediction: 7-9.