The Bengals benching pattern continues as Jake Browning is pulled for Joe Flacco and Logan Wilson sits for two rookies, with immediate upside after a rough start. The move signals a broader test of the depth chart as the season progresses and Burrow’s status remains uncertain.

Denver hosts Cincinnati in Week 4’s MNF, with Browning’s two 2025 appearances underscoring a fragile QB plan for Cincinnati. A rough Week 3 exposed riskier, off-script plays that backfired, pressing the Bengals to lean on safer looks and their patchwork line. Cincinnati’s upgrades—Fant’s hybrid TE role and Risner’s adaptation—give them sporadic pop, while Stewart and Battle offer defensive upside. Denver’s matchup leans on containment of Browning and exploiting Cincinnati’s o-line, leading to a Broncos edge around 24-14.

The Bengals’ recent roster moves loom large: Fant’s versatility could stress Denver’s coverage, Battle keeps climbing as a playmaker, and Hendrickson must deliver a disruptive shift to turn the tide. Fantasy managers should watch Bet on the Bengals’ players who can capitalize when Browning minimizes mistakes, but Denver’s home-field advantage and improved run defense remain pivotal in this MNF clash.

Jacksonville snapped a divisional skid with a defensive masterclass, beating Houston 17-10 as the unit limited the Texans and forced three turnovers. The offense still stagnated at 17, underscoring season-long issues with penalties, drops, and BTJ’s inconsistencies.

BTJ delivered a 40-yard late grab to spark the drive, but dropped several passes again, fueling debate about his mindset after Jimmy Smith’s public critique and BTJ unfollowing him. Fantasy managers should watch his target share and mental reset as the schedule tightens.

Bengals lean on Browning as Burrow’s toe injury pushes the offense into a cautious, grow-and-go mode, while Al Golden reshapes the defense for third downs. The plan centers on balance between rush and coverage, with Stewart’s health uncertain and Ossai/Myles Murphy ready to step up. Cincinnati has forced turnovers early, but must tighten third-down execution to sustain the 2-0 start.

Turnovers remain the defense’s identity, led by Hill and Battle, even as the offense searches for rhythm. A matchup with Minnesota looms, making a quick, cohesive unit critical as the young DBs and Hendrickson keep pressuring Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ scheme, hoping to ride momentum through Burrow’s absence.