Ja’Marr Chase believes the 2026 Cincinnati Bengals represent the strongest roster he has joined since entering the NFL.
“I would say, by far,” Chase told Albert Breer. “I know we went to the Super Bowl. We had a good run with those guys. This is another great group we have, and everybody around here knows it.”
The Bengals reached Super Bowl LVI after the 2021 season and posted a better regular-season record in 2022. Chase still ranks the current group higher, citing veteran leadership and shared goals.
Cincinnati stands 6-2 through eight games and shares first place in the AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team has scored 240 points, second-most in the league, while allowing 175.
Joe Burrow has thrown for 2,386 yards, second in the NFL, and 23 touchdowns, first among quarterbacks. He has six interceptions and a 74 percent completion rate. Only one other passer has reached 20 touchdowns this season.
Chase has repeatedly backed Burrow for MVP honors.
“I can’t answer that because I’ve been playing with him my whole life,” Chase said. “So it’s kind of hard for me to sit up here and say that, but I’ve been thinking, he should have been won the MVP. I said this when we went to the Super Bowl that year, and he didn’t get it that year. I mean, he’s up for it every year.”
Burrow previously won Comeback Player of the Year twice and earned three Pro Bowl selections. He led the league in passing yards and touchdowns in 2024.
Chase produced a standout effort in the Bengals’ 34-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid. He caught 10 passes for 155 yards and one touchdown, including 142 yards in the first half — the most by a Bengals receiver in a half since 1988.
Tee Higgins added two touchdown catches in the game, including his 50th career score. The pair has combined for 14 receiving touchdowns this season.
Chase pointed to experience as the key difference from earlier Bengals teams.
“I think the biggest thing is us knowing what it takes to get there,” Chase said. “We’ve got a lot of guys that are veterans now on the team. They know what it takes to get there. A lot of guys have been good leaders, being disciplined, and with the young guys, letting them know what’s right and wrong. Honestly, I think the whole team is one unit.”
The Bengals host the Steelers on Sunday night in a game that will decide sole possession of first place in the AFC North. Pittsburgh holds the head-to-head tiebreaker after a Week 3 win.
Chase has 53 receptions for 647 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games. He ranks among the league leaders in touchdowns and has scored in four consecutive contests.
The AFC remains competitive, with several teams at 6-2 or better. Cincinnati’s offensive efficiency and Chase’s production give the Bengals a clear path if they maintain their current pace.
