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5 bold predictions for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2018

By Rucker Haringey

CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 12: Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis looks on during Bengals minicamp on June 12th, 2018 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 12: Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis looks on during Bengals minicamp on June 12th, 2018 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 31: Wide Receiver Tyler Boyd #83 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 31: Wide Receiver Tyler Boyd #83 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

4. Tyler Boyd will become a starter

A.J. Green is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and he’s certainly the top offensive weapon the Bengals have. What the former Georgia standout needs, is for another receiver to step up and take some pressure off of him.

Most of the talk in training camp has centered around John Ross’ ability to step up and be that player. The 2017 first round draft pick certainly has the talent to make that leap. He isn’t the only talented receiver lurking on the roster though. 2016 second round pick Tyler Boyd should be able to take over for Brandon LaFell as the starter opposite Green.

If he does, he’ll obviously see a ton of single coverage. Boyd has the quick-twitch athleticism to really take advantage of that kind of space. He enjoyed a productive rookie season for the Bengals with 54 catches for 603 yards. Injuries limited him to just 32 catches for 225 yards last season.

Bet on Boyd to have his best season as a pro in 2018. A lot of receivers really find their feet in their third season as a professional. Boyd is too smart and too talented to stay on the bench behind an average player like LaFell. At some point, his dynamic ability to run with the ball after the catch is going to push Marvin Lewis to make him a starter. Boyd is primed to have a breakout season in 2018.

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