We asked "Madden 27" to predict the upcoming Bengals season

Between the (side)lines: In our simulation, Cincinnati finished 10-7 and earned a playoff spot.

• The Bengals beat Tampa Bay in the home opener, then knocked off Jacksonville, Miami, Tennessee, Atlanta (in Madrid), Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Carolina and Cleveland twice.
• The losses: Houston, Pittsburgh, Washington, Kansas City, Indianapolis and Baltimore twice.

By the numbers: Joe Burrow threw for 4,720 yards and 36 touchdowns, while Ja'Marr Chase racked up 1,658 receiving yards and 14 TDs.

• Tee Higgins added 1,041 receiving yards, while Chase Brown rushed for 1,046.

Yes, but: The defense was lousy. Even with standout seasons from Dexter Lawrence (93 rating) and Jonathan Allen (88), Cincinnati finished 24th in points allowed and 21st in yards allowed.

The result: That imbalance eventually caught up with Cincinnati in the postseason.

• The Bengals beat the Chargers in the wild-card round before falling 30-24 to the Ravens in the divisional round.

💭 Casey thought bubble: Talk about art imitating life.