Joe Burrow Leads Bengals to Promising 2026 Season

Joe Burrow enters his seventh NFL season with the Cincinnati Bengals, relying heavily on the quarterback-receiver duo of Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase.

The Bengals missed the playoffs for a third straight year, but their roster changes, especially on defense, may improve their chances.

Burrow and Chase have led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance and an AFC Championship Game appearance, with their connection being the foundation of Cincinnati's offense.

College football Hall of Fame receiver Torry Holt believes Chase can break Calvin Johnson's single-season receiving yards record of 1,964 with a healthy Joe Burrow.

In 2024, Burrow had the best season of his NFL career, leading the league in passing yards (4,918 yards) and touchdowns (43).

Chase posted the best season of his NFL career with 127 catches for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns, winning the receiving Triple Crown.

The Bengals open the 2026 regular season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. ET at Paycor Stadium.

Burrow is healthy entering training camp, and Chase remains in his prime, making them a dangerous duo in football.

The Bengals' defense has been upgraded, which may not require Burrow and Chase to carry every game.

But if Chase is going to threaten Johnson's record, it will almost certainly be because Burrow stays healthy for a full season.

The Bengals believe they are better equipped to maximize the duo in 2026, with their defense improved and Burrow healthy.