The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a 4-11-1 season which placed them last in the AFC North. They may not be a great team yet, but the Bengals have built a young core. The nucleus of the team is quarterback Joe Burrow. Burrow was having a great rookie campaign before he suffered a season-ending injury.

The Bengals are primed to improve this season, especially with Burrow healthy. In the 10 games Burrow played, he threw for 2,688 yards along with 13 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. The Bengals added another weapon in the offseason by drafting wide receiver JaMarr Chase with the 5th pick in the draft. Chase and Burrow were teammates in college at LSU, and they will already have chemistry as we head into the season.

The Bengals made some either key moves in the offseason, including drafting offensive tackle Jackson Carman. Carman was selected in the second round and will help improve the Bengals' biggest weakness.

With all that said, here are 4 bold predictions for the Bengals in the 2021 NFL season.

4. Burrow throws 30 touchdowns

Before Burrow got hurt, he was showing everyone why he was the number one pick. An improved offensive line and receiver trio of Tee Higgins, JaMarr Chase, and Tyler Boyd gives Burrrow the chance to play phenomenal. Burrow is an elite talent with a great all-around game. He can make throws on the move as well as in the pocket.

Burrow can flat-out play and will throw a ton of touchdowns this season.

3. Multiple Bengals receivers go over 1,000 yards

The Bengals are loaded with talent at receiver. This is a big step for the Bengals, as they have not had an elite young core in a while. With the talent under center with Burrow, these receivers are bound to have great seasons. Burrow is primed to have a great season, which will lead to production from their receivers.

All of these receivers have unique skill-sets that can make them elite receivers. Higgins is a big receiver that uses his length to his advantage. He has a knack for getting into the end zone and has a great shot at breaking out in his second season. Last season, Higgins had 67 receptions for 908 yards and 8 touchdowns. It was a great rookie campaign for Higgins, and he will look to build on it this season.

Boyd is the most established of the Bengals receivers. He is entering his 6th season for the Bengals and already has two 1000 yard seasons under his belt. Last season, Boyd had 79 receptions for 841 yards and 4 touchdowns. He should be one of Burrow's favorite targets this season.

The most intriguing receiver on the Bengals is Ja'Marr Chase. Chase was an elite receiver for LSU, especially when Burrow was throwing them the ball. In his sophomore season with Burrow, Chase had 84 receptions for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. Chase struggled in the preseason, but his college track record speaks for itself. His instant chemistry with Burrow will help him play well early.

These receivers, along with Burrow, will make the Bengals a dynamic offense this season.

2. Bengals win 7 games

With a revitalized offense, the Bengals should win more games. The Bengals only won 4 games last season, but Burrow was out for the last 6 games. While their defense is still not great, they have some talented players on defense. Another thing to note is this season will have 17 games compared to 16.

For those reasons, the Bengals should be able to win more games.

1. Burrow wins Comeback Player of the Year

The most intriguing storyline to follow for the Bengals this season is Burrow's comeback. Burrow has a great chance at bringing home the Comeback Player of the Year award. He has great weapons at his disposal and an improved offensive line. While the Bengals may not make a playoff run, Burrow should produce a ton of offense.

He will also be more familiar with the playbook, as it is his second season in coach Zac Taylor's scheme. This Burrow-led offense is going to be difficult for defenses to deal with. They have not only an elite passing game but also a great running back in Joe Mixon. Mixon suffered an injury last season, which is why he only played 2 games. However, in the two previous seasons, Mixon rushed for over 1,000 yards.

Mixon will be an integral part of the Bengals' offensive success. This season looks primed to be exciting for the Bengals. They may not make it to the playoffs this particular season, but the season will show the young core's development.