NFL · AFC North
Breaking Cincinnati Bengals news, roster moves, free agency and draft coverage, game recaps and the storylines shaping Cincinnati’s season — tracked all year long.
Latest Bengals stories
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Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase suffers concussion in loss to Jaguars
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Nico Collins injury puts Texans star WR’s Week 2 status in jeopardy
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Mitchell Tinsley shines in Bengals preseason win with two touchdowns
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This Bengals X-Factor will determine how far Cincy can go
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Seahawks GM explains why team released Noah Fant despite productive run
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Trey Hendrickson, Bengals at contract standstill over guarantees
Cincinnati Bengals history & legends
The Cincinnati Bengals were founded in 1968 by Paul Brown, the legendary coach who had built the Cleveland Browns, and joined the NFL in the 1970 merger. Known for their tiger-striped helmets and the “Who Dey” chant, the Bengals compete in the AFC North.
Super Bowl history
Cincinnati has reached three Super Bowls. Ken Anderson led the Bengals to Super Bowl XVI after the 1981 season, and Boomer Esiason took them back to Super Bowl XXIII after the 1988 season. Both times they lost to the San Francisco 49ers, the second on a last-minute Joe Montana touchdown drive. After the 2021 season, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase led a surprise run to Super Bowl LVI, where the Bengals fell 23-20 to the Los Angeles Rams.
Best players in Bengals history
- Anthony Muñoz – Hall of Fame left tackle, widely considered one of the best offensive linemen ever.
- Ken Anderson – 1981 NFL MVP and one of the most accurate passers of his era.
- Boomer Esiason – 1988 NFL MVP who led the Super Bowl XXIII team.
- Joe Burrow – Franchise quarterback who led the Super Bowl LVI run.
- Ja’Marr Chase – Explosive star receiver and Burrow’s college and pro teammate.
- Ken Riley – Hall of Fame cornerback and the franchise’s all-time interceptions leader.
- Chad Johnson – Flashy, productive receiver who became one of the most popular players in team history.
- Corey Dillon – Powerful running back who once set the NFL single-game rushing record.
Biggest rivalries
The Pittsburgh Steelers are the Bengals’ most heated AFC North rival. The Cleveland Browns series, known as the Battle of Ohio, carries extra history because Paul Brown founded both teams. The Baltimore Ravens have also become a bitter modern rival.
