Despite what a 9-8 record may suggest, the Cincinnati Bengals had one of the best offenses in the NFL last season. The Bengals ranked sixth in points, fifth in first downs, and ninth in yards.
The Bengals were particularly proficient in the passing game, where the led the NFL in both yards (4,640) and touchdowns (43). A lot of that can be attributed to the trio of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
The Bengals committed a lot of money this offseason to keep that trio together. Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Meanwhile, Higgins inked a four-year, $115 million contract. In 2023, the Bengals signed Burrow to a massive five-year, $275 million extension.
That’s $551 million committed to three players, and that very well may be the best offensive trio in the NFL.
Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame ranked the NFL’s best offensive trios, and only took quarterback, WR1 and running back into consideration. The trio of Burrow, Chase, and running back Chase Brown ranked fourth on his list.
“Cincinnati has the NFL’s most dynamic offense, and Burrow and Chase lead the way.” Verderame wrote. “Despite missing the playoffs in 2024, Burrow led the league with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns. Chase won the NFL’s receiver triple crown with 127 catches, 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns. Brown is also a threat, showcased by his 990 rushing yards and seven scores.”
If Verderame’s list factored in the three best players on offense, it’s hard to imagine many trios would outrank the Bengals. The three trios listed above the Bengals were Los Angeles’ Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua, Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown, and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers.
Brown had a bit of a breakout campaign in his second NFL season. The former fifth-round pick took 229 carries for 990 yards and seven touchdowns. With another year of development under his belt, he very well could be headed for his first 1,000-yard campaign. Brown was second on the Bengals in scrimmage yards with 1,350, a number bolstered by his impact in the receiving game, where he tallied 360 yards and four touchdowns.
