The Cincinnati Bengals have spent the last few seasons asking Joe Burrow and the offense to overcome far too much. In the 2026 Bengals preview, Smalls is joined by comedian, Bengals superfan and Funny AF with Kevin Hart contestant Michael Turner to figure out whether that finally changes.
Michael’s optimism starts with something Bengals fans have not always been able to say: the organization actually attacked its biggest weakness. Cincinnati rebuilt the defense with major additions including Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Brian Cook and Kyle Dugger after a season in which missed tackles and defensive breakdowns repeatedly erased strong offensive performances. Neither Smalls nor Michael expects the unit to become elite overnight. The argument is simpler. With Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and the rest of this offense, average might be plenty.
That makes Burrow’s health the unavoidable hinge point of the entire season. Michael believes a healthy Burrow makes Cincinnati at least a 10-win team, and the soft portions of the schedule leave room for considerably more. Smalls is less interested in laying short prices on obvious Bengals outcomes and wonders whether the better betting approach is to get aggressive with alternate win totals. Michael happily takes that invitation and makes the case for pushing Cincinnati all the way to 12 or 13 wins.
The episode also digs into fantasy football and player futures. Chase Brown draws RB1-upside enthusiasm because of his receiving role and every-down ability. Mike Gesicki remains an intriguing late-round target, while Colby Young earns sleeper consideration. On the betting side, Joe Burrow’s passing touchdown total catches Smalls’ attention, while Michael wants overs on Ja’Marr Chase and likes Tee Higgins to keep finding the end zone.
The final verdict is bullish, with one enormous condition attached. Cincinnati does not need a championship defense. It needs a functional one. If the rebuilt unit clears that bar and Burrow stays upright, both Smalls and Michael see a team capable of returning to the AFC Championship Game and making another Super Bowl run.
