2017 wasn’t a pretty year for the Cincinnati Bengals. After finishing with a 6-9-1 record in 2016 their first losing season in eight years, the team will look to rebound with a fresh start. The Bengals started off 2017 with two straight home losses to the Ravens and Texans, the only team since the 1939 Eagles to not score a single touchdown in their first two games. They were outscored 33-9 during that span.

This caused the Bengals to fire offensive coordinator Ken Zampese and replaced him with quarterback coach Bill Lazor. The coaching change didn’t help the Bengals as they struggled to find consistency throughout the season as the team fought through poor play and injuries.

One of few bright spots of the Bengals’ 2017 season was the emergence of Joe Mixon, who became the team’s feature back after outperforming incumbent Jeremy Hill and their Week 16 and 17 wins against the playoff-bound Lions and Ravens, ultimately ruining both teams postseason chances

After speculation of retiring or being fired, Head coach Marvin Lewis returns for his 16th season under the helm as he inked a two-year extension to stay in Cincinnati. Even with his new contract, a lot of uncertainty remains as the franchise is still looking for their first playoff win since 1990. 2018 is a make or break year for Marvin Lewis & Co.

Here are five bold predictions for the Bengals heading into the 2018 NFL season.

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