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Cincinnati Bengals 2026 Predictions with Michael Turner | Stephie Smalls Show (Ep 270)
Description
Can the Cincinnati Bengals turn a rebuilt defense and a healthy Joe Burrow into a real 2026 Super Bowl run?
Smalls welcomes back comedian and lifelong Bengals fan Michael Turner, recently seen on Netflix’s Funny AF with Kevin Hart, for a full Cincinnati Bengals season preview. Michael has spent 39 years emotionally invested in this team, so naturally the conversation begins with the safest part of the Bengals calendar: the offseason, when they cannot hurt him yet.
The biggest story is the defense. Cincinnati’s offense can already score with anybody, but last season the defense repeatedly gave games away. Smalls and Michael break down why the additions of Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Brian Cook and Kyle Dugger could completely change the floor of this team. They also discuss Trey Hendrickson’s departure, Cincinnati’s long-running organizational habits and why simply getting to league-average defensively could be enough to make the Bengals dangerous again.
From there, they attack the betting board. The Bengals sit at 10.5 wins, but Michael makes the case for getting aggressive with alternate totals and pushing Cincinnati to 12 or even 13 wins. They discuss AFC North odds, Super Bowl futures, Joe Burrow’s passing touchdown total, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins props, Chase Brown’s fantasy upside, Mike Gesicki and a deep sleeper to remember in Colby Young.
And yes, it all comes back to Burrow. If he plays a full season, Michael has a hard time seeing Cincinnati as anything less than a double-digit-win team. Smalls also raises the uncomfortable question of whether Burrow sometimes holds the ball too long and creates extra punishment for himself.
Michael is back on the road throughout the season, including comedy shows built around Bengals road games. Follow him on Instagram @TurnerComedy and get tour dates and tickets at TurnerComedy.com.
Send questions for the next Ask Smalls Anything at SpeakPipe.com/StephieSmalls.
(00:00) Bengals 2026 Preview
(00:46) Michael Turner Joins
(03:18) The 2025 Defensive Disaster
(05:26) Rebuilding the Defense
(07:13) A New Bengals Front Office?
(10:05) Can Average Defense Be Enough?
(13:53) The Joe Burrow Health Problem
(14:53) Bengals 2026 Betting Odds
(17:24) Is 10.5 Wins Too Low?
(19:07) Betting the AFC North
(21:05) Bengals Fantasy Targets
(23:06) Brown and Burrow Futures
(25:57) Chase and Higgins Props
(27:17) 12 Wins or More?
(28:27) If the Defense Fails Again
(30:05) Michael Turner’s Tour
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