Cincinnati’s preseason run defense has fans and fantasy managers buzzing. A woeful six carries for chunks of yardage on a single first-quarter drive, plus a nose-dive in the run game against Washington and Philadelphia, spotlight talent gaps after Jessie Bates III’s exit and a shift away from top defensive free agents. The front office’s plan to build the line through the draft is getting questioned, and Al Golden’s praise can’t mask a talent deficit that looks clear in the run game.

With Trey Hendrickson expected to bolster the pass rush, the Bengals’ defense still isn’t cured of the run-attack headaches. Opponents from the Browns to Detroit and beyond could lean on the ground, especially early in the season. The must-win opener in Cleveland looms as a real test, and fantasy managers should rethink streaming defenses against Cincinnati until the unit proves it can stop the run consistently.

In fantasy terms, this isn’t a slam-dunk defense play until the run defense shows improvement. Hendrickson remains a solid sack source, but the run defense remains the Achilles’ heel that could put a dent in regulatory week-to-week upside. The piece flags a season where the offense may have to carry more weight in winning games, and the defense’s ability to limit opponents on the ground could dictate the Bengals’ ceiling this year.

Locker-room geography isn’t random in the NFL; teams place rookies beside veteran mentors to accelerate learning, and the Falcons’ Penix-Bates pairing is the prime example. The concept spans the league: J.J. McCarthy with Harrison Smith, Darius Slay and Quinyon Mitchell in Philly, Will Campbell and Morgan Moses in New England, and Puka Nacua near Rob Havenstein in Los Angeles. Coaches describe it as a mix of psychology and strategy, a deliberate way to accelerate development and foster real-time, on-field learning through proximity and dialogue.

The pattern isn’t without risk, but it’s celebrated for creating everyday mentorship moments: Penix learning to read routes from Bates; Nacua drawing off the diet and approach of Cooper Kupp and other Rams veterans; a Bengals locker shuffle near Joe Burrow; Cowboys wiring up CeeDee Lamb and Zack Martin with legacy players. Fantasy players should watch which rooks land near top performers, as proximity can translate into faster growth, early opportunities, and upside beyond preseason expectations.

Jesse Bates III, the Atlanta Falcons safety, has established himself as a formidable presence in the NFL, ranking No. 4 in forced fumbles and No. 10 in interceptions for the 2024 season. His prowess on the field is acknowledged, with a notable mention in the NFL Top 100 as the 92nd player overall. Transitioning from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Falcons, Bates recorded a career-high of six interceptions in 2024, significantly contributing to the team’s defensive efforts despite the Falcons conceding 34 passing touchdowns throughout the season.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Bates aims to reduce the number of touchdowns allowed while enhancing his team's takeaway opportunities, supported by fellow defenders A.J. Terrell Jr. and Xavier Watts. While he may miss the preseason opener against the Detroit Lions, his leadership and experience will be pivotal for the Falcons as they strive for improvement on defense.

The NFC South boasts a talented cohort of safeties, including household names and promising young stars, particularly following the retirement of Tyrann Mathieu. This division features playmakers who regularly alter the course of games with their ability to create turnovers and provide crucial support on defense. Analyzing their performances, standout players emerge, showcasing unique skill sets that contribute to their teams' success.

The rankings reflect a blend of veteran prowess and emerging talent, with players like Jessie Bates III of the Atlanta Falcons and Tyrann Mathieu's former teammate, Marcus Maye of the New Orleans Saints, setting the standard for the position. The NFC South is poised for an exciting future as new names rise to prominence.

The Atlanta Falcons are looking to turn a corner as they head into the 2025 NFL season, with three of their players featured in Pro Football Focus's 'PFF50'. Running back Bijan Robinson, safety Jessie Bates, and guard Chris Lindstrom have made the list, a recognition of their individual talents amidst a lackluster team performance in recent years.

After struggling under head coach Arthur Smith, the Falcons saw a slight improvement in 2024, finishing with an 8-9 record under Raheem Morris. The coaching change has sparked a sense of optimism, especially with standout performances from Robinson, Bates, and Lindstrom. The trio is expected to play crucial roles in the upcoming season as the Falcons aim for a better record and potentially a playoff berth.