Marvin Lewis has spent enough time around the AFC North to know what usually wins it: a sturdy roster, a quarterback who can carry the load, and enough stability to survive the grind.
That’s why the former Bengals head coach is leaning toward Cincinnati in 2026. Lewis, who captured four division titles in 16 seasons with the franchise, stopped by Bengals practice Friday before his national radio assignment for Sunday’s season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In comments to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com, he pointed to the Bengals’ offensive punch, the changes on defense and the value of continuity as the reasons he likes their chances.
“I think they're the favorite with that offensive firepower and the revamping of the defense,” Lewis said. “Dexter Lawrence with Jonathan Allen and B.J. Hill coming back.”
Lewis’ view comes from a long run of watching the division from different angles. Before he became Cincinnati’s coach, he spent four seasons working with Pittsburgh’s linebackers and six years as Baltimore’s defensive coordinator. From that background, he sees the Bengals as the team with the best blend of proven talent and the kinds of fixes that can matter in January.
Joe Byrrow is the face of that offensive firepower, and Lewis also likes what Cincinnati has done to try to make life easier on the other side of the ball. The new defensive pieces stood out to him, and he believes they give the Bengals a better chance to support what the offense is already bringing.
He also sees more uncertainty around the rest of the division. Baltimore, in his view, is dealing with change, while Pittsburgh’s outlook still depends on Aaron Rodgers staying healthy.
“Jesse (Minter) has been in Baltimore's building before, but this is new. Lamar (Jackson) has a new coordinator.
We'll see how that goes. If there's an injury to Aaron (Rodgers), where does their season end up?
That's the thing. Can they run it enough to protect Aaron?”
For Cincinnati, Lewis sees familiarity as another edge. Burrow has been there for years, and the defense is now in its second season under Al Golden.
“They have the continuity in the North with Joe (Burrow), the defense in the second year,” Lewis said. “They've still got Darrin and a great kicker and punter.”
One name in particular had Lewis sounding especially bullish: Dexter Lawrence. He said he liked Lawrence enough to mention him to team president Mike Brown.
“I watched him on tape last year getting ready for a game, and he was just very impressive,” Lewis said. “So explosive.
He's strong. He plays with low pads.
Plays with extension. And I know he had a great (Giants defensive line coach) in Andre Patterson, who goes back with Mike Zimmer a long way.”
Lewis thinks Lawrence can do more than make plays on his own. In his view, a player like that can raise the level of the entire group, especially for younger defenders who are still growing into bigger roles.
Cincinnati still has to back up the praise on the field, beginning Sunday against Tampa Bay. But for a coach who knows the AFC North as well as anyone, the Bengals have enough going for them to sit at the top of the list.
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