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Bengals $4 million 1,350-yard playmaker predicted to have breakout 2025 season

The Cincinnati Bengals' offense was dynamic in 2024, and one of the main reasons for the unit's success was the emergence of running back Chase Brown.

Brown, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, posted 990 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 4.3 yards per carry in 16 games last year. He also added 360 yards and four touchdowns on 54 receptions in the pass game.

Despite bursting onto the scene as a difference-maker for the Bengals in 2024, Bleacher Report's Moe Moton predicts Brown will elevate to another level in 2025 and have a true breakout campaign.

"With a revamped offensive line and new position coach, the Bengals could see improvement on the ground. If so, Brown, who should open the year in the featured role, could top 1,100 rushing yards. Since he's also a key contributor in the short passing game, he could rack up over 1,500 scrimmage yards," Moton wrote.

With all the attention on Joe Burrow and the passing game, Brown should see a bunch of light boxes and a ton of opportunities for explosive plays in the rushing attack. The 25-year-old should also return as a solid contributor in the receiving game as Burrow's security blanket.

If Brown takes a jump this season, the Illinois product could enter the upper echelon of running backs in the NFL and establish himself as a long-term piece in Cincinnati's offense. Brown still has two years left on his deal, but another productive campaign could land him an extension from the team next offseason.

The passing attack led by Burrow and star wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is the engine of the Bengals' offense. However, Brown is also a pivotal piece and could earn the star label by the end of the 2025 season.

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