The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for a rebound after a tough 6-11 season, and according to one NFL insider, the road to redemption runs through one crucial player: quarterback Joe Burrow.

On a recent episode of The Insiders podcast, NFL insider Ian Rapoport broke down what it will take for the Bengals to turn things around in 2026. After an offseason filled with roster moves, Rapoport sees a team that has addressed many of its weaknesses—but he warns that true success hinges on Burrow's health.

"If Joe Burrow is not available playing at his absolute highest capabilities, then this Cincinnati Bengals team is probably going to have a rough season," Rapoport explained. "If he is healthy, this team is constructed to be very, very good. They have elite playmakers, the offensive line is going to be good enough, and they spent on defense in a way this offseason that Joe Burrow is very excited about."

Burrow's 2025 campaign was derailed early by a turf toe injury in his left foot, which he suffered in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He missed significant time before returning for the final six games, finishing the year with 1,809 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. While those numbers are solid, they're a far cry from the MVP-caliber play that propelled Cincinnati to a Super Bowl appearance in 2021.

This isn't unfamiliar territory for Burrow. He's already been named NFL Comeback Player of the Year twice—once after recovering from a devastating knee injury in his rookie season, and again after bouncing back from a wrist injury in 2023. Now, with the Bengals eyeing their first playoff berth since 2022, another miraculous return to form could be the difference between another long season and a deep postseason run.

For Bengals fans, the message is clear: this team has the pieces in place, but it all starts with the man under center. If Burrow is healthy and playing at his best, Cincinnati could be a serious contender once again.