Bengals Start 5-2 as Burrow and Defense Show Progress

The Cincinnati Bengals are 5-2 after beating the Tennessee Titans in overtime.

Joe Burrow threw for 462 yards and five touchdowns in that game, despite three interceptions, and has 20 touchdown passes this season.

Burrow is off to the best statistical start of his career, while receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins help lead the offense.

The defense, which held the team back in recent years, has improved: Cincinnati is allowing 22.7 points per game, down from 30.7 at this stage last year.

The Bengals have 10 games left, and only four opponents have winning records; two of those are the Cleveland Browns.

Cincinnati lost its first game against Pittsburgh, so a home win over the Steelers next weekend is described as a must.

If the Bengals keep winning, they could return to the playoffs after a three-year absence and contend for a home playoff game in January.