As we race toward August, Footballguys.com will look at one team per weekday with our quick-hitting Team Sleepers feature, where we check out the players we think will surprise this year.
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This is a weekday series that will stretch through July 30. If you like this and want another, come back the next workday. Another will be here.
Bengals, Team Vibes
- Good - 12
- Neutral - 1
- Bad - 1
Staffers with Good Vibes
Kyle Bellefeuil: The Bengals are in a good spot as long as Joe Burrow is fully healed from his wrist injury.
Jason Wood: The Bengals kept things afloat while Burrow was hurt last year; his healthy return vaults them back into AFC contention.
Phil Alexander: Cincinnati averaged a healthy 23 points per game after Jake Browning took over as the starting quarterback in Week 11 last season. The return of a healthy Joe Burrow makes the Bengals fringe Super Bowl contenders and an offense to target in fantasy football.
Jeff Haseley: As long as Joe Burrow's wrist injury doesn't have lasting effects, Cincinnati should still contend in the challenging AFC North.
Bob Harris: This is predicated on Joe Burrow being ready to roll Week 1. Assuming the QB is healthy and on point, the needle will continue to point up in Cincinnati.
Julia Papworth: With the return of a healthy Joe Burrow under center, the Bengals have a chance to move from treading water last season to making a legitimate Super Bowl run.
Ben Cummins: Joe Burrow is the second-best quarterback in the NFL and returns to the lineup.
Justin Howe: There's some turnover and some uncertainty over Joe Burrow's health. But the Bengals have wisely reloaded at the skill positions, and the presence of a quality backup QB raises everyone's floor.
Ryan Weisse: With Joe Burrow back healthy and the important pieces presumably back in their roles, this should be a high-powered offense.
Jeff Bell: Hope around a healthy Joe Burrow and a reset around a lost season gives plenty of optimism. A last-place schedule helps as well.
Leo Paciga: The Bengals' true north is tied directly to Joe Burrow's health. If Burrow is 100% for week 1 and can stay upright and out of harm’s way, especially early on, the Bengals should ride the positive momentum associated with having an outstanding QB under center.
Chad Parsons: Tee Higgins is back, and Joe Burrow should be healthy. I do not think the loss of Joe Mixon is a big deal.
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