The 2018 NFL season was one to forget for the Cincinnati Bengals and also one that has sparked some drastic changes for the franchise moving forward.

Cincinnati finished their 2018 campaign dead last in the AFC North division standings with a record of 6-10. Along with a disappointing effort this season, the team has decided to part ways with longtime head coach Marvin Lewis and may also make a change at quarterback.

Even with all the uncertainty surrounding this team, up-and-coming running back Joe Mixon believes without a doubt that the Bengals will be playoff bound next season, via Paul Dehner Jr. of Cincinnati.com.

“I know one thing, our team next year is definitely going to the playoffs,” Mixon said. “And you can put whatever you want on that. I know that.”

Although Mixon is a promising talent and a star in the making in the NFL, there's no telling what is in store for Cincinnati and they attempt to regroup after another forgettable season. Mixon could become one of the league's elite backs in the years to come, but there could be an extensive rebuilding process ahead for this team as they look for Lewis' successor and address the quarterback position.

With the AFC North always among the most competitive divisions in the NFL, it could be quite the uphill climb for the Bengals as they try to become relevant once again.

In his second season in the league, Mixon rushed for 1,168 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games. He also caught 43 passes for 296 receiving yards and a touchdown.