History has a way of repeating itself.
The Cincinnati Bengals are 5-4 at the bye week. They were 5-4 at the bye week last season. So then, will they make a late run in the second-half of this season, just like the team that won five of seven games to clinch the AFC North before making a deeper postseason run to the Super Bowl.
This year could pose a tougher challenge though. Cincinnati has the strongest strength of schedule among all teams in the NFL for the final nine weeks of the season. They'll have to go through the top teams in the AFC, including Kansas City, Buffalo and Tennessee among others at home and on the road.
On top of all of that, they'll have to navigate those teams with a hobbled secondary and a Ja'Marr Chase-less offense for the first few weeks coming out of the bye and beyond.
Despite the adversity and roadblocks ahead, will the defending AFC champions shock teams and repeat as back-to-back division champs?
The Strictly Stripes crew gives its takes and explains the Bengals' outlook for the second-half of the season:

What are Joe Burrow's odds of winning the MVP?

How much more explosive can the offense be when Ja'Marr Chase returns?

Who are the Bengals' toughest opponents remaining?

Why can, or can't, the Bengals run through their opponents?


Plus, the crew explains which players might be primed for a breakout second-half of the season, along with some interesting Flashback Friday discussions.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad, Andrew Gillis and Michael Niziolek.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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