The Cincinnati Bengals' 2024 NFL season marked a watershed year for the franchise, showcasing unprecedented offensive prowess. With 472 points scored, Cincinnati not only set a new franchise record but also overtook their previous high from the 2021 season of 460 points. This offensive explosion placed them at the forefront of the league, leading multiple statistical categories.
Ranking fifth across the NFL with 57 total touchdowns, the Bengals made significant headway on the offensive front, finishing the season among the top ten teams for total yards and yards gained per game. According to Pro Football Focus, they went on to finish fifth in touchdown drive percentage and occupied the top position for passing touchdowns of at least 20 yards. Their effectiveness was evident, as the Bengals also ranked eighth for points scored per drive and managed to secure the fifth position for red-zone scoring percentage.
“I think we're the best offense in the league,” remarked quarterback Joe Burrow following Week 17. Emphasizing the squad’s consistency throughout the season, he praised his teammates for stepping up when it mattered most. “Guys stepping up in big spots and making big plays for us. Guys go down, somebody else has to step up and make plays, and we've just consistently done so.”
Burrow’s leadership proved instrumental, as he helmed the Bengals to the best passing offense based on Pro Football Focus's grading, receiving an impressive 92.8-passing grade. Tied with Buffalo's Josh Allen for the league lead, Burrow made 37 big-time throws throughout the season, reinforcing his status as one of the game’s elite quarterbacks.
Among the standout performances was receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who not only led the NFL but earned the prestigious Triple Crown by finishing first in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns this year. Tee Higgins also made notable contributions, amassing 911 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns, ranking sixth overall, even though injuries hampered parts of his season. Chase’s explosive performance clearly demonstrated his integral role within the Bengals' offensive scheme.
Tight end Mike Gesicki, who joined the Bengals after stints with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, achieved personal milestones during the year, finishing with 65 catches—his second-highest total ever and making him the third Bengals tight end to achieve 60 receptions in a single season.
“I take pride in the fact everyone eats in this offense,” Burrow added after Week 18, highlighting the dynamic nature of the team’s attack. With many weapons on the field, he noted how the ball could effectively be distributed based on the defensive schemes encountered each week. Burrow emphasized the importance of establishing Chase as the focal point due to his talent, stating, “He's our best player, so we're going to get him the ball.”
Running back Chase Brown also shone during the season's latter half, propelling the ground game with 990 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Brown became the first Bengals running back to cross the 100 yards-from-scrimmage mark for five consecutive games since 2012. His ingenuity helped boost the Bengals’ overall effectiveness; he ranked 12th for rushing yards from Week 9 onward and claimed third place for receiving yards among running backs during the same period.
The Bengals’ offense performed admirably on long-distance plays as well, ranking second with 12 successful passes over 40 yards. Their ability to convert on pressure situations was evident, with Cincinnati finishing third across the NFL with 100 third-down conversions. “We have the best offense in the league,” declared defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson after Week 16, encapsulating the confidence the defense held toward their offensive peers. “I feel like a parent on Christmas, watching my kids opening presents when the offense is on the field.”
With numerous achievements and records set throughout the 2024 season, the Cincinnati Bengals have showcased themselves as formidable contenders, with their historic offensive performance promising excitement for the postseason and beyond. The synergy and talent of players like Burrow, Chase, Higgins, Gesicki, and Brown have united to craft one of the most potent offenses the league has seen, setting high hopes for coming seasons.