Editing Cincinnati Bengals (section)

==History==
{{main|History of the Cincinnati Bengals}}

=== Brown family era (1968–present) ===
[[File:Bob Trumpy 1969.jpg|thumb|[[Bob Trumpy]], Bengals tight end from 1968 to 1977|274x274px]]
[[File:Bob Johnson 1969.jpg|thumb|271x271px|[[Bob Johnson (American football)|Bob Johnson]], Bengals center from 1968 to 1979]]
In [[1967 AFL season|1967]], an ownership group led by [[Paul Brown]] was granted a franchise in the [[American Football League]]. Brown named the team the Bengals in order "to give it a link with past professional football in Cincinnati".<ref>{{cite web|title=Team Chronology|url=http://prod.static.bengals.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/2017/17-history.pdf#page=2|publisher=Cincinnati Bengals|date=June 26, 2017|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-date=April 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403135910/http://prod.static.bengals.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/2017/17-history.pdf#page=2|url-status=live}}</ref> Another [[Cincinnati Bengals (1937–1941)|Cincinnati Bengals]] team had existed in the city and played in three previous American Football Leagues<ref>[[American Football League (1936)|AFL II]] 1937, [[American Football League (1938)|AFL/APFA]] 1939, [[American Football League (1940)|AFL III]] 1940–1941</ref> from [[1937 American Football League season|1937]] to 1942. The city's world-renowned [[Cincinnati Zoo|zoo]] was also home to a rare white [[Bengal tiger]].

In a possible insult to [[Art Modell]] – or possibly as a homage to the [[Massillon Washington High School|Massillon Tigers]] – Brown chose the exact shade of orange used by his former team. He added black as the secondary color. Brown chose a very simple logo: the word "BENGALS" in black lettering. One of the potential helmet designs Brown rejected was a striped motif that was similar to the helmets adopted by the team in 1981 still in use today; however, that design featured stripes which were more uniform in width.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/demetriusbell/2021/04/19/cincinnati-bengals-use-iconic-helmet-design-as-focal-point-of-new-uniforms/|title=Cincinnati Bengals Use Iconic Helmet Design As Focal Point Of New Uniforms|last=Bell|first=Demetrius|work=Forbes|date=April 19, 2021|accessdate=June 3, 2024}}</ref> The Bengals began play in the [[1968 AFL season|1968 season]].

In 1966, the American Football League agreed to [[AFL–NFL merger|a merger]] with its older and more established rival, the [[National Football League]].<ref name="a042">{{cite web | title=NFL and AFL announce merger | website=HISTORY | date=2009-11-16 | url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/nfl-and-afl-announce-merger | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> Among the terms of the merger was that the AFL was permitted to add one additional franchise; the NFL wanted an even number of clubs in the merged league, so a team needed to be added to bring the number of clubs in the merged league to 26 teams.

For the AFL, a key motive behind their agreement to accept a new team was that the guarantee of an eventual place in the NFL meant the league could charge a steep expansion fee of $10 million – 400 times the $25,000 the original eight owners paid when they founded the league in 1960. The cash from the new team provided the American Football League with the funds needed to pay the indemnities required to be paid by the AFL to the NFL, as stipulated by the merger agreement.

Prior to the merger's announcement, Brown had not seriously considered joining the American Football League and was not a supporter of what he openly regarded to be an inferior competition, once famously stating that "I didn't pay ten million dollars to be in the AFL."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.conigliofamily.com/PaulBrown.htm|title=Paul Brown|publisher=Conigliofamily.com|access-date=December 16, 2013|archive-date=May 12, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030512025748/http://www.conigliofamily.com/PaulBrown.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> However, with the announcement of the merger, Brown realized that the AFL expansion franchise would likely be his only realistic path back into the NFL in the short to medium term, and ultimately acquiesced to joining the AFL after learning that the team was guaranteed to become an NFL franchise after the merger was completed in 1970.

There was also a major problem: [[Major League Baseball]]'s [[Cincinnati Reds]] were in need of a facility to replace [[Crosley Field]], which they had used since 1912. By this time, the small park was antiquated and rundown, and parking issues had plagued the city since the early 1950s, while the park also lacked modern amenities – issues that were exacerbated by the [[Mill Creek Expressway]] ([[I-75]]) project that ran alongside the park.

While [[New York City]] – which had lost both its [[National League (baseball)|National League]] teams in 1957 after the [[Los Angeles Dodgers|Dodgers]] relocated to Los Angeles, and the [[San Francisco Giants|Giants]] relocated to San Francisco – had actively courted Reds owner [[Powel Crosley]] to relocate his team there, Crosley was adamant that the Reds remain in Cincinnati and tolerated the worsening problems with the Crosley Field location.

With assistance from Ohio governor [[Jim Rhodes]], [[Hamilton County, Ohio|Hamilton County]] and the Cincinnati city council agreed to build a single multi-purpose facility on the dilapidated riverfront section of the city: the new facility had to be ready by the opening of the [[1970 NFL season]], and was officially named [[Riverfront Stadium (Cincinnati)|Riverfront Stadium]].[[File:Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.jpg|thumb|[[Riverfront Stadium]], home of the Bengals from 1970 to 1999|192x192px]]

With the completion of the merger in 1970, the Cleveland Browns were one of three NFL teams that agreed to move to the AFL-based American Football Conference to give both conferences an equal number of teams and were placed in the [[AFC Central]], the same division as the Bengals. An instant [[Battle of Ohio (NFL)|rivalry was born]], fueled initially by Paul Brown's rivalry with Art Modell.<ref name="d836">{{cite web | last=Shuck | first=Barry | title=Art Modell's problematic history goes all the way back to his relationship with Paul Brown, Part 1 | website=Dawgs By Nature | date=2023-06-12 | url=https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2023/6/12/23747662/browns-history-art-modell-paul-brown-part-1 | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref><ref name="s092">{{cite web | last=Shuck | first=Barry | title=The story of how the wedge between Art Modell and Paul Brown began: Part 2 | website=Dawgs By Nature | date=2023-06-15 | url=https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2023/6/15/23748019/the-story-of-how-the-wedge-between-art-modell-and-paul-brown-began-part-2 | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref>

==== Paul Brown and Bill Johnson years (1968–1978) ====
For their first two seasons, the Bengals played at [[Nippert Stadium]], the current home of the [[University of Cincinnati]] [[Cincinnati Bearcats football|Bearcats]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a6JQAAAAIBAJ&pg=4236,1676508&dq=nippert+stadium+cincinnati+bengals&hl=en|title=Hot Football Time in Old Cincy Tonight|newspaper=[[St. Petersburg Times]]|agency=Associated Press|date=August 3, 1968|page=2C|access-date=December 8, 2012|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429023040/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a6JQAAAAIBAJ&pg=4236%2C1676508&dq=nippert+stadium+cincinnati+bengals&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> The team held training camp at [[Wilmington College (Ohio)|Wilmington College]] in [[Wilmington, Ohio|Wilmington]], through the 1968 preseason. The team finished its first season with a 3–11 record<ref name="encyc">{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin|title=Cincinnati Bengals Team Encyclopedia|website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]|publisher=Sports Reference|access-date=December 8, 2012|archive-date=December 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121220024621/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/|url-status=live}}</ref> and running back [[Paul Robinson (American football player)|Paul Robinson]], who rushed for 1,023 yards, and was named the AFL Rookie of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/1968-afl-rookie-of-the-year-paul-robinson/|title=1968 AFL Rookie of the Year – Paul Robinson {{!}} Tales from the AFL|website=talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com|access-date=March 15, 2017|archive-date=March 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315085812/http://talesfromtheamericanfootballleague.com/1968-afl-rookie-of-the-year-paul-robinson/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Founder Paul Brown coached the team for its first eight seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Paul Brown Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/BrowPa0.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> One of Brown's college draft strategies was to draft players from non-traditional football schools. Punter/wide receiver [[Pat McInally]] attended [[Harvard University]], and linebacker Reggie Williams attended [[Dartmouth College]] and served on Cincinnati city council while on the Bengals' roster. Because of this policy, many former players went on to have successful careers in [[Play-by-play|commentary]] and [[broadcasting]] as well as the arts. In addition, Brown had a knack for locating and recognizing pro football talent in unusual places.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Verderame|first1=Matt|title=Paul Brown and his Lasting Influence on the NFL|url=http://fansided.com/2016/09/06/paul-brown-nfl-browns-bengals-innovations/|website=Fansided|date=September 6, 2016|publisher=Sports Illustrated|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122155141/http://fansided.com/2016/09/06/paul-brown-nfl-browns-bengals-innovations/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1970, the Bengals moved to play at Riverfront Stadium, a home they shared with the [[Cincinnati Reds]] until the team moved to [[Paycor Stadium|Paul Brown Stadium]] in [[2000 NFL season|2000]]. Notable players of the 1970 team included Virgil Carter, Chip Meyers, Jack Meckstroth, Bob Trumpy, and Lemar Parrish. Virgil Carter threw for 1,647 yards. Chip Myers paced all receivers, catching 32 passes for 542 yards. Bob Trumpy contributed to the receiving game, too.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1970 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/1970.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The team reached the playoffs three times during that decade, but could not win any of those postseason games. In [[1975 NFL season|1975]], the [[1975 Cincinnati Bengals season|team]] posted an 11–3 record, giving them what remains the highest winning percentage (.786) in franchise history. But it only earned them a wild card spot in the playoffs, behind the 12–2 [[1975 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]], who went on to win the Super Bowl; the Bengals lost to the [[1975 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]] 31–28 in the divisional playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197512280rai.htm|title=Divisional Round – Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland Raiders – December 28th, 1975 {{!}} Pro-Football-Reference.com|website=[[Pro Football Reference]]|access-date=March 15, 2017|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429023049/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197512280rai.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Forrest Gregg/Sam Wyche years (1980–1991) ====
[[File:1986 Jeno's Pizza - 27 - Dan Bunz.jpg|thumb|The Bengals played against the 49ers in Super Bowl XVI (''pictured'') and XXIII, but lost in both games.|191x191px]]
The Bengals reached the Super Bowl twice during the 1980s – in [[Super Bowl XVI]] and [[Super Bowl XXIII]] – and lost against the [[San Francisco 49ers]] both times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XVI – San Francisco 49ers vs. Cincinnati Bengals – January 24th, 1982 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198201240cin.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XXIII – Cincinnati Bengals vs. San Francisco 49ers – January 22nd, 1989 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198901220cin.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The team appeared in the playoffs in [[1990 NFL season|1990]], making it to the second round before losing to the Los Angeles Raiders.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Cincinnati Bengals at Los Angeles Raiders – January 13th, 1991 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199101130rai.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Before the [[1991 NFL season|following season]] got underway, Paul Brown died at age 82.<ref name="a650">{{cite web | title=Paul Brown, One of Pro Football's Primary Architects, Dead at 82 | website=The New York Times | date=1991-08-06 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/06/sports/paul-brown-one-of-pro-football-s-primary-architects-dead-at-82.html | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> Due to declining health, he had already transferred control to his son, [[Mike Brown (American football executive)|Mike Brown]], but was reported to still influence the daily operations of the team.<ref name="p964">{{cite web | last=Mecklenborg | first=Jake | title=Art Modell's passing stirs up history that brought Cincinnati an NFL franchise and political turbulence| website=UrbanCincy | date=2012-09-12 | url=https://www.urbancincy.com/2012/09/art-modells-passing-stirs-up-his-past-that-brought-cincinnati-an-nfl-franchise-and-political-turbulence/ | access-date=2024-08-30}}</ref> The Bengals' fortunes changed for the worse as the team posted 14 consecutive non-winning seasons and were saddled with numerous draft busts.

==== Marvin Lewis years (2003–2018) ====
The Bengals began to emerge from that dismal period into a new era of increased consistency, however, after the team finished with its worst record in team history, 2–14, which led to the hiring of [[Marvin Lewis]] as head coach in 2003.<ref name="t088">{{cite web | agency= Associated Press | title=PRO FOOTBALL; Bengals Name Lewis Head Coach | website=The New York Times | date=2003-01-15 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/15/sports/pro-football-bengals-name-lewis-head-coach.html | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> [[Carson Palmer]], the future star quarterback, was drafted in [[2003 NFL draft|2003]], but did not play a snap that whole season, as [[Jon Kitna]] had a comeback year (voted NFL Comeback Player of the Year).<ref name="r060">{{cite web | last=Rogers | first=Jesse | title=NFL awards Kitna for amazing resurgence | website=ESPN.com | date=2004-01-02 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1698805 | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref><ref name="h311">{{cite web | last=Stellino | first=Vito | title=For Cardinals QB Carson Palmer, a lot of ups and downs in NFL career | website=Florida Times-Union | date=2013-11-17 | url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/11/17/cardinals-qb-carson-palmer-lot-ups-and-downs-nfl-career/15808956007/ | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> Despite Kitna's success, Palmer was promoted to starting quarterback the [[2004 NFL season|following season]].<ref name="u011">{{cite web | last=Powell | first=Camille | title=Apprenticeship over, Palmer takes control | website=NBC News | date=2004-09-23 | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna6075908 | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> The team finished with an 8–8 record and missed the postseason in 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2004.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Under Palmer, the team advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 1990 losing in the Wild Card Round to the Pittsburgh Steelers 31–17 in the [[2005 NFL season|2005 season]], which also was the first time the team had a winning percentage above .500 since 1990.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2005.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – January 8th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200601080cin.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:ChadJohnson.jpg|thumb|239x239px|[[Chad Johnson]], Bengals wide receiver from 2001 to 2010]]

The Bengals returned to the playoffs again in [[2009 NFL season|2009]] in a season that included the franchise's first-ever division sweep. This was especially impressive since two of the teams swept by the Bengals – the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens – had made it to the AFC Championship Game the previous season. Marvin Lewis was rewarded for the accomplishment with the NFL Coach of the Year Award.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/17/sports/football/17lewis.html|title=Bengals' Lewis Is N.F.L. Coach of the Year|agency=The Associated Press|date=January 16, 2010|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 15, 2017|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315175416/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/17/sports/football/17lewis.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2010 NFL season|2010 season]], the Bengals posted a 4–12 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2010.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Following the disappointing 2010 season, quarterback Carson Palmer demanded to be traded. When the Bengals refused to do so, Palmer announced his retirement from the NFL.<ref name="f346">{{cite web | title=Owner: Bengals won't trade Palmer, consider QB to be retired | website=NFL.com | date=2011-07-26 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/owner-bengals-won-t-trade-palmer-consider-qb-to-be-retired-09000d5d820fc879 | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> He later was moved at the NFL trade deadline to the [[Oakland Raiders]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-10-18 |title=Raiders acquire QB Palmer from Bengals |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7118158/oakland-raiders-acquire-carson-palmer-cincinnati-bengals |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2011 NFL draft]], the Bengals selected wide receiver [[A. J. Green]] in the first round and quarterback [[Andy Dalton]] in the second round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Cincinnati Bengals Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2011_draft.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The Bengals improved to 9–7 in the [[2011 NFL season|2011 season]], and clinched a playoff spot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2011.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Dalton and Green became the most prolific rookie WR-QB duo in history, connecting 65 times for 1,057 yards. However, they lost to the [[Houston Texans]], 31–10, in the Wild Card round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – January 7th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201070htx.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2012 NFL season|2012 season]], the Bengals clinched a playoff spot once more with a win over the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], going to the playoffs in back-to-back years for the first time since 1982.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2012.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, the Bengals faced the Texans in the first round yet again and took another early exit, losing 19–13.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – January 5th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301050htx.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the [[2013 NFL season|2013 season]], for the third straight year, the Bengals clinched a playoff berth and also won the AFC North, finishing with an 11–5 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2013.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> But once again, the Bengals were defeated in the wild card round, this time by the [[San Diego Chargers]], 27–10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals – January 5th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201401050cin.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Most of the blame was put on Andy Dalton, who threw two interceptions and fumbled on a forward dive. This made the Bengals 0–5 in playoff games since Mike Brown took over as owner. The [[2014 NFL season|2014 season]] started well, with the Bengals winning their first three contests against the Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, and Tennessee Titans. However, they lost their Week 5 road matchup with the New England Patriots, 43–17. An overtime tie with the [[Carolina Panthers]] and a shutout loss to the [[Indianapolis Colts]] followed the primetime loss to the Patriots. Finishing the season 10–5–1 as the fifth seed, they lost to the Colts, 26–10, in the first round of the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2014.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – January 4th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201501040clt.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> This was the first time the franchise made the playoffs four straight seasons.

In 2015, the Bengals got out to a franchise-best 8–0 start with a 31–10 win over the [[Cleveland Browns]].<ref name="y803">{{cite web | last=Dehner Jr. | first=Paul| title=Bengals Nuggets: Surprising 8–0 history; Texans own thirds | website=Cincinnati Enquirer | date=2015-11-16 | url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2015/11/16/bengals-nuggets-surprising-8-0-history-texans-own-thirds/75642786/ | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> Unfortunately, in Week 14 they would lose starting quarterback [[Andy Dalton]] to injury. He would not return that season, leaving [[A. J. McCarron]] to start under center. The Bengals finished with a franchise record-tying 12–4 mark.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2015.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, they lost to the division rival [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], 18–16, in the Wild Card round in the final minute, making them the first franchise in NFL history to lose five straight opening-round playoff games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – January 9th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601090cin.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> This frustration continued in 2016 for the Bengals: they finished the 2016 campaign with a 6–9–1 record, losing several key players to injury, including A. J. Green, [[Giovani Bernard]], and [[Jeremy Hill]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2016.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Cincinnati Bengals Injuries |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2016_injuries.htm |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010, marking the first time Andy Dalton missed the playoffs as the Bengals' starting quarterback. One notable game was a 27–27 tie against the [[Washington Redskins]] which was played in [[London]] in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://pro32.ap.org/article/redskins-bengals-battle-27-27-tie-london|title=Redskins, Bengals battle to 27–27 tie in London|date=October 30, 2016|work=Pro32: Head to Head|access-date=March 15, 2017|archive-date=October 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031153945/http://pro32.ap.org/article/redskins-bengals-battle-27-27-tie-london|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following a rough 2016 season, the Bengals looked forward into 2017. However, after starting 0–3, the Bengals never found their footing. At one point in the season, the Bengals were 5–9. There were rumors that Marvin Lewis would not return for the next season as the Bengals' head coach. However, after two come-from-behind victories over the Lions and Ravens that eliminated both teams from the playoffs, the Bengals finished 7–9.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2017.htm |title=2017 Cincinnati Bengals Statistics & Players |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=June 16, 2018 |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227030255/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2017.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The final two games were convincing enough for owner Mike Brown to give Lewis a new two-year contract.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/bengals-sign-marvin-lewis-year-deal-2019/story?id=52103182 |title=Bengals sign Marvin Lewis to two-year deal through 2019 |date=January 2, 2018 |work=ABC News |access-date=July 17, 2018 |archive-date=July 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717213035/https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/bengals-sign-marvin-lewis-year-deal-2019/story?id=52103182 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The 2018 campaign began with promise for the Bengals under Lewis. Cincinnati began the season with a 4–1 record with impressive wins over the Colts, Ravens, Falcons, and Dolphins. However, the Bengals suffered many setbacks after the hot start: defensive coordinator [[Teryl Austin]] was fired mid-season because of defensive woes,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=November 12, 2018 |title=Bengals fire DC Teryl Austin after loss to Saints |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bengals-fire-dc-teryl-austin-after-loss-to-saints-0ap3000000987470 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101051518/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000987470/article/bengals-fire-dc-teryl-austin-after-loss-to-saints |archive-date=January 1, 2019 |access-date=January 1, 2019 |website=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> A. J. Green was injured and officially out for the last four games, and Andy Dalton injured his thumb in the Bengals' first game against the Browns and replaced by [[Jeff Driskel]] for the rest of the season.<ref name="n110">{{cite magazine | last=Shapiro | first=Michael | title=A.J. Green to undergo season-ending toe surgery | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2018-12-04 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/12/04/aj-green-season-ending-surgery-bengals-wide-receiver-afc-north | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref><ref name="h214">{{cite web | last=Rothstein | first=Michael | title=Jeff Driskel takes long route to being the Lions' starting QB | website=ESPN.com | date=2019-11-16 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/36057/jeff-driskel-takes-long-route-to-being-the-lions-starting-qb | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> The Bengals ended 2018 with a final record of 6–10 and finished last place in the AFC North.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2018.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On December 31, 2018, with one year to go on his contract, Lewis and the Bengals mutually parted ways after three straight losing seasons under his watch.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Terrell |first=Katherine |date=December 31, 2018 |title=Marvin Lewis out as coach of Bengals after long run |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25653722/bengals-fire-coach-marvin-lewis-6-10-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231160548/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25653722/bengals-fire-coach-marvin-lewis-6-10-season |archive-date=December 31, 2018 |access-date=December 31, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

==== Zac Taylor years (2019–present) ====
[[File:Joe Burrow Bengals.jpg|thumb|224x224px|[[Joe Burrow]], Bengals quarterback since 2020]]
In 2019, they hired head coach [[Zac Taylor]].<ref name="w518">{{cite web | last=Terrell | first=Katherine | title=Taylor named 10th head coach in Bengals' history | website=ESPN.com | date=2019-02-04 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25924806/bengals-name-zac-taylor-10th-head-coach-franchise-history | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> The 2019 campaign started off with reasonable success, with the Bengals barely losing to [[Seattle Seahawks|Seattle]] 21–20 at CenturyLink Field; but what started with promise ended in disaster.<ref name="v856">{{cite web | last=Booth | first=Tim | title=Career day by Dalton not enough as Bengals fall to Seahawks | website=AP News | date=2019-09-09 | url=https://apnews.com/career-day-by-dalton-not-enough-as-bengals-fall-to-seahawks-616d4d827bbb47c1a989768f46eec777 | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> The Bengals then lost 10 more games and were 0–11 heading into December 2019. To open the month of December, they got their first win of the season against the Jets, 22–6, in Cincinnati.<ref name="b475">{{cite magazine | last=Chavez | first=Chris | title=Bengals Get First Win of 2019 Season Against Jets | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2019-12-01 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/12/01/bengals-beat-jets-first-win-2019-season | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> They eventually lost to the Patriots and then to the Dolphins, 38–35, in overtime after Dalton led the team back from 23 points down in the fourth quarter. With the loss to the Dolphins, the Bengals officially clinched the No. 1 overall pick in the [[2020 NFL draft]].<ref name="y710">{{cite web | last=Baby | first=Ben | title=Losing pays off for Bengals, who clinch No. 1 pick | website=ESPN.com | date=2019-12-22 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28354398/losing-pays-bengals-clinch-no-1-pick-nfl-draft | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> They capped off the season with a win against the Cleveland Browns, finishing 2–14, equaling the 2002 season as the team's worst record in history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/index.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="u354">{{cite web |agency=Associated Press | title=Bengals win final game of the 2019 season | website=WLWT | date=2019-12-29 | url=https://www.wlwt.com/article/bengals-win-final-game-of-the-2019-season/30354992 | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

In 2020, the Bengals improved under rookies [[Joe Burrow]] and [[Tee Higgins]].<ref name="w813">{{Cite web |last=Dehner Jr. |first=Paul |date=2023-04-04 |title=Bengals' '20 draft revisited: Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins head franchise-altering class |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4377895/2023/04/04/bengals-2020-draft-joe-burrow-tee-higgins/ |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=New York Times}}</ref> Starting the season with a 2–5–1 record going into the bye week, including an overtime tie to the [[Philadelphia Eagles]]. Going into Week 11 facing the [[Washington Football Team]], they lost Joe Burrow to a season-ending knee injury that all but ended their season, only winning two more contests against the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] and [[Houston Texans]].<ref name="x472">{{cite news | last=Jhabvala | first=Nicki | title=Washington comes back to beat Bengals, 20–9, after rookie QB Joe Burrow leaves with injury | newspaper=Washington Post | date=2020-11-22 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/11/22/washington-defeats-bengals-20-9/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> Finishing the season 4–11–1.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2020.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In 2021, the Bengals won the [[AFC North]] with a 10–7 record, which included dominant sweeps of the rival Pittsburgh Steelers and [[Baltimore Ravens]].<ref name="w014">{{cite web | last=Hobson | first=Geoff | title=Burrow, Bengals Chase Down AFC North Title With Classic 34–31 Winner Over Chiefs | website=Bengals.com | date=2022-01-02 | url=https://www.bengals.com/news/burrow-bengals-chase-down-afc-north-title-with-classic-34-31-winner-over-chiefs | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> Led by Joe Burrow, who was playing in his first full season after recovering from his devastating knee injury in Week 11 of his rookie season and rookie receiver, and Burrow's college teammate at LSU, [[Ja'Marr Chase]], Cincinnati would win the AFC North for the first time since 2015. They beat the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], 34–31, in a Week 17 thriller to clinch the division. They then won their first playoff game since the 1990 season, beating the [[Las Vegas Raiders]], 26–19, in the Wild Card round.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shook|first=Nick|title=2021 NFL playoffs: What we learned from Bengals' Wild Card Round victory over Raiders|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-playoffs-what-we-learned-from-bengals-wild-card-victory-over-raiders|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=January 15, 2022|access-date=January 18, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183135/https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-playoffs-what-we-learned-from-bengals-wild-card-victory-over-raiders}}</ref> After that, they upset the top-seeded [[Tennessee Titans]], 19–16, when [[Evan McPherson]] kicked a game-winning 52-yard field goal. A week later, they advanced to their first Super Bowl since 1989 when McPherson kicked a 33-yard field goal in overtime to cap off a comeback from being down 21–3 and shock the No. 2 seed Chiefs, 27–24. They lost a close Super Bowl to the [[Los Angeles Rams]] in [[Super Bowl LVI]], 23–20.<ref name="z891">{{cite web | last=Wilner | first=Barry | title=Kupp's late TD lifts Rams over Bengals 23–20 in Super Bowl | website=AP News | date=2022-02-14 | url=https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-rams-beat-bengals-9b60529f8014690bddae2637c788da1a | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

In Week 1 of the [[2022 NFL season]], the Bengals lost, 23–20, to the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime, breaking a three-game winning streak the Bengals had against Pittsburgh. After falling to a 4–4 record in Week 8, the Bengals proceeded to win 8 straight games to tie a franchise-record for single-season wins and earn a 3 seed in the AFC playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2022.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="q486">{{cite web | last=Crisafulli | first=Owen | title=Bengals' Nightmare Scenario For NFL Playoff Seeding, Matchups | website=ClutchPoints | date=2022-12-28 | url=https://clutchpoints.com/bengals-nightmare-scenario-2022-nfl-playoff-seeding-matchups | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> They defeated divisional rival Baltimore in the first round 24–17, behind a 98-yard fumble recovery returned for a touchdown by [[Sam Hubbard]].<ref name="m668">{{cite web | last=Dajani | first=Jordan | title=Bengals' Sam Hubbard records historic 98-yard fumble return TD vs. Ravens on Super Wild Card Weekend | website=CBSSports.com | date=2023-01-16 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bengals-sam-hubbard-records-historical-98-yard-fumble-return-td-vs-ravens-on-super-wild-card-weekend/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref><ref name="l601">{{cite web | title=Hubbard's fumble return gives Bengals 24–17 win over Ravens | website=AP News | date=2023-01-16 | url=https://apnews.com/article/new-york-giants-nfl-college-football-sports-playoffs-8b2488f1e81323e360cf0391c91c6c42 | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> Despite missing three starting offensive linemen, the Bengals followed that up with a decisive 27–10 road win over the favored [[Buffalo Bills]] to reach a second straight AFC Championship appearance for the first time in franchise history.<ref name="l680">{{cite web | last=Wawrow | first=John | title=Joe Burrow and the Bengals overcome the elements to reach AFC title game again | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2023-01-22 | url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2023-01-22/joe-burrow-bengals-bills-afc-division-playoffs-recap | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> Once again, they faced the Kansas City Chiefs in the Championship Game, but this time they lost 23–20, in another thrilling game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sheeran |first=John |date=2023-01-29 |title=Bengals fall just short to Chiefs 23–20 in AFC title game |url=https://www.cincyjungle.com/2023/1/29/23576952/bengals-chiefs-score-recap-afc-championship |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Cincy Jungle |language=en}}</ref>

In the 2023 season, during their Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Joe Burrow would suffer a wrist injury that would rule him out the rest of the season.<ref name="t879">{{cite web | last=Shook | first=Nick | title=Bengals QB Joe Burrow has torn ligament in right wrist, will miss remainder of 2023 season | website=NFL.com | date=2023-11-17 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bengals-qb-joe-burrow-has-torn-wrist-ligament-to-miss-remainder-of-2023-season#:~:text=Joe%20Burrow's%20tumultuous%202023,likely%20require%20surgery%2C%20per%20Taylor. | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> The consistent play of backup quarterback Jake Browning kept the Bengals alive in the postseason hunt after Burrow's injury.<ref name="y083">{{cite web |agency=Associated Press| title=Bengals now face decisions on many free agents | website=spectrumnews1.com | date=2024-01-09 | url=https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/sports/2024/01/09/bengals-now-face-decisions-on-many-free-agents | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> The Bengals finished the season 9–8 and missed the playoffs.<ref name="c016">{{cite web |agency=Associated Press| title=Bengals finish season strong at 9–8 with 31–14 win over Browns | website=WDTN.com | date=2024-01-08 | url=https://www.wdtn.com/sports/football/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/bengals-finish-season-strong-at-9-8-with-31-14-win-over-browns/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

The 2024 season, with Burrow returning, came with high expectations for the Bengals; however, Cincinnati limped to a 4–8 start to the season thanks primarily to a porous defense; the Bengals lost four games where they scored at least 33 points; an NFL record.<ref name="m193">{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Michael David | title=Bengals are 2-4 when scoring 33 or more points this season, rest of NFL is 52-1 | website=NBC Sports | date=2024-12-02 | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/bengals-are-2-4-when-scoring-33-or-more-points-this-season-rest-of-nfl-is-52-1 | access-date=2025-01-31}}</ref> The team finished strong, winning their final five games to finish with a 9–8 record for the second straight season, however, they missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season after the Denver Broncos shutout the Kansas City Chiefs.<ref name="s631">{{cite web | last=Rapien | first=James | title=Look: 2024 Cincinnati Bengals Make History, Miss Playoffs for Second-Straight Season | website=SI.com| date=2025-01-06 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/look-2024-cincinnati-bengals-make-history-miss-playoffs-for-second-straight-season-01jgxtce6xt5 | access-date=2025-01-31}}</ref> Burrow led the NFL in passing yards; wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase won the [[List of NFL receivers who have won the triple crown|triple crown]] leading the league in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, and defensive end [[Trey Hendrickson]] led the league in sacks.<ref name="w356">{{cite web | last=Manzano | first=Gilberto | title=NFL's 2024 Stat Leaders: Bengals' Trio Shines Despite Disappointing Year | website=SI.com | date=2025-01-08 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2024-stat-leaders-bengals-trio-shines-despite-disappointing-year | access-date=2025-01-31}}</ref>

On April 3, 2025, Bengals executive V.P. Katie Blackburn stated that “We could, I guess, go wherever we wanted after this year if we didn’t pick the option up” in regards to the team's lease on Paycor Stadium.<ref name="Move">{{cite web |last1=Florio |first1=Mike |title=Bengals hint at possibility of relocation — as soon as 2026 |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/bengals-hint-at-possibility-of-relocation-as-soon-as-2026 |website=[[NBC Sports]] |access-date=6 April 2025}}</ref> At the time the Bengals where struggling to reach an agreement on the lease with the city of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.<ref name="Move"/> Blackburn also stated that she likes the stadium's downtown location and hopes to secure the team's future there.<ref name="SI Move">{{cite web |last1=Lyons |first1=Dan |title=Bengals Exec on Stadium Situation: 'We Could Go Wherever We Wanted After This Year' |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals-exec-stadium-situation-go-wherever-wanted-year |website=[[Sports Illustrated]] |access-date=6 April 2025}}</ref> The Bengals had proposed a $120 million renovation of the stadium which would've seen 90% of the funds raised from taxpayers, which drew fire from Hamilton county commissioners as the Bengals only pay $158,526 in rent per-year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wartman |first1=Scott |title=Could the Bengals leave Paycor Stadium? Here's what we know about lease negotiations |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/05/hamilton-county-bengals-negotiate-stadium-deal-as-lease-deadline-nears/82862605007/ |website=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]] |access-date=6 April 2025}}</ref>