CINCINNATI – With the season ended by an injury to quarterback Joe Burrow last November, the Bengals were lucky to finish the game with a record over .500 points, albeit in last place in the AFC North.

Burrow’s surgically repaired right wrist is now fine, and for at least one more season, receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will be his primary playmakers. Chase finished his contract extension and practiced for the first time this summer on Sunday, Aug. 25, two weeks before Cincinnati opens the season against the New England Patriots.

New running back Zack Moss had the best season of his career last season in Indianapolis (794 yards, five TDs) and tight end Mike Gesicki came from New England as a proven pass catcher.

The way Burrow plays is the way the Bengals play, so if the offensive line can keep his uniform clean, the 2024 season will be a lot better. The Bengals are hoping that some new additions to the defensive line and another year of experience for some young defensive backs will help reduce the frequency of explosive plays the unit allowed last season.

NEW FACES: Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, RB Zack Moss, TE Mike Gesicki, OT Trent Brown, WR Jermaine Burton (rookie), OT Amarius Mims (rookie), DT Sheldon Rankins, DT Kris Jenkins (rookie), S Vonn Bell, S Geno Stone.

MAJOR LOSSES: Offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, WR Tyler Boyd, OT Jonah Williams, RB Joe Mixon, TE Irv Smith Jr., S Nick Scott, CB Chidobe Awuzie, DT DJ Reader.

STRENGTHEN: When healthy, Burrow is one of the NFL’s most creative and accurate quarterbacks, and he throws to Chase, one of the league’s most versatile and dynamic playmakers. Higgins, who is playing with the franchise tag and will likely be gone after the season, gives Burrow another playmaker the quarterback is completely comfortable with. The Bengals are counting on new addition Moss to step in at running back to gain some yards and protect Burrow. The No. 3 receiver position is completely open and offers a number of possibilities. New tight end Gesicki has three NFL seasons with 50 catches under his belt.

WEAKEN: Cincinnati’s defense allowed far too many explosive plays that went at least 20 yards in the air or 15 yards on the ground last season. They allowed those more often than any other team in the NFL. The Bengals’ offensive line was pushed around and their run defense was among the worst in the league. After losing their key run stopper, DJ Reader, to free agency, Cincinnati signed free agent DT Sheldon Rankins and drafted DTs Kris Jenkins from Michigan and McKinnley Jackson from Texas A&M. They acquired S Geno Stone from Baltimore and brought back S Vonn Bell. The hope is that 2022 first-round draft pick Dax Hill can earn a spot at cornerback after previously playing safety.

CAMP DEVELOPMENT: The biggest question heading into training camp was whether Burrow could return to his magic on the Bengals’ offense after rehabbing his surgically repaired right wrist. The quarterback said he took his time with rehab this time after trying to get back fit too quickly from previous injuries. Burrow played the first series of the first preseason game and completed 5 of 7 passes for 51 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown pass to Higgins.

FANTASY PLAYERS TO WATCH: At 24, Chase is one of the best wideouts in the league. He had 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons. He finished 2023 with 1,216 yards and seven TDs, despite playing the final nine games with backup quarterback Jake Browning after Burrow was sidelined. With a healthy Burrow, Chase should have a great year ahead.

BetMGM Sportsbook: Super Bowl win: 14-1. Over/Under wins: 10 1/2.