Heading into the Bengals home opener against the New England Patriots this Sunday. The Bengals face five major questions as this season begins.

How will Ja’Marr Chase’s summer affect his performance this season?

Ja’Marr Chase’s status has been a topic of discussion throughout the summer. Chase was a full participant in training camp a handful of times. The wide receiver has two seasons left in his rookie deal. Chase’s actions are seen as a protest over not having a new contract. Particularly after the Bengals paid a then-record deal to quarterback Joe Burrow last year.

Chase is due to make $4.8 million this season. He participated in practice on Wednesday and appears poised to play on Sunday. Yet, how will Chase’s actions affect the Bengals early this season?

The Bengals spent much of last season playing catch up. After a sluggish start to last season. Fans have become accustomed to seeing this during Zac Taylor’s tenure as Cincinnati’s head coach. Since many Bengals first string players barely played in preseason games. Bengals fans might see more of the same this September.

How will the Bengals wide receivers collectively fare?

Chase isn’t the only wide receiver whose contract was a topic of off-season discussions. Tee Higgins’ future with the Bengals beyond this season is in doubt. After being franchise tagged in the off-season, Higgins will be a free agent after this season. Along with this, veteran wide receiver Tyler Boyd left the Bengals in the off-season. Boyd joined the Tennessee Titans, where former Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan is their head coach. All of this puts a lot of responsibility in the hands of the Bengals younger receivers. From Andrei Iosivas to rookie Jermaine Burton. 

How will Joe Burrow and Jake Browning perform?

After spending much of this year recovering from a wrist injury. Joe Burrow appears to be in good health heading into this season. His one preseason drive concluded with a touchdown reception. Burrow looked like his usual self in that drive. Meanwhile, backup quarterback Jake Browning had a mild preseason. With short and quick passes in his preseason performances. Even with that in mind, Burrow and Browning can give Bengals fans confidence going into this season.

How will the Bengals defense fare this year?

While many were focused on Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase during training camp. Let’s not forget about the Bengals defense. Cincinnati’s defense struggled at times last season. With an AFC worst 374.6 yards allowed per game. Only the Washington Commanders defense gave up more yards. The Bengals will ware themselves out if that trend continues this year.

Will the Bengals contend in the AFC North this year?

The AFC North made history last season. As the first NFL division where every team concluded the regular season above .500. Three of the four teams in the division qualified for the playoffs. The Bengals were the odd team out. Primarily because of a 1-5 divisional record.

Cincinnati and their divisional opponents made several offseason roster moves. The Baltimore Ravens added running back Derrick Henry. The Pittsburgh Steelers added quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. While the Cleveland Browns maintained roster stability. The Bengals managed to add running back Zack Moss; to try and fill the void left by Joe Mixon. After Mixon was traded to the Houston Texans last March. With this in mind, the AFC North is poised to be a tough division again this season.