A younger core of superstars has already lifted the Cincinnati Bengals into contention earlier than expected.

The two guys making headlines are of course Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.

Interestingly, it is Chase and Tee Higgins who happen to be the only Bengals representatives in Pro Football Focus’ Top 25 Players Under 25 heading into the 2022 season.

Chase checks in at No. 7, with Trevor Sikkema noting the following:

“Chase’s rookie season was well worth the Bengals picking him 5th overall. Reunited with quarterback Joe Burrow, Chase ranked fourth in the NFL in receiving yards (1,455) and third in receiving touchdowns (13). Few receivers in the league could say they were more dominant than him in one-on-one situations. His presence was a major catalyst for Cincinnati to win the AFC championship and make it to the Super Bowl.

Higgins landed 19th:

“His PFF rating jumped from 75.9 as a rookie to 84.5 last season. He also finished strong with a ton of momentum in 2022, as he recorded 100 receiving yards on four of his last six regular season games and had back-to-back 100-yard games in the AFC Championship and Super Bowl.

Burrow turns 26 in December, which could play a part in the omission here. Only Justin Herbert (2) and Trevor Lawrence (21) are the other quarterbacks to make the list.

Chase finishes as the second wide behind Justin Jefferson (5).

Looking ahead, the Bengals are surely hoping that names like rookies Dax Hill and Cam Taylor-Britt, and even Jonah Williams, can take steps to make future rosters.