The Bengals will lean into offensive-line upgrades as the trade deadline nears, mixing acquisitions of proven blockers with selective asset moves. Hendrickson isn’t viewed as a trade candidate due to his contract, while Amarius Mims and Dylan Fairchild continue to develop in a unit that has struggled in 2025. Cincinnati has shown it benefits from outside OL help, citing past adds like Orlando Brown Jr., Ted Karras, and Alex Cappa as proof the fastest path to improvement is through proven veterans rather than internal development alone.

With a broader rebuild on the horizon, the plan could tilt toward signing depth rather than wholescale selling, but the overarching goal remains protecting Burrow and stabilizing the line. If blowouts persist, expect a delicate balance of buying and selling to accelerate a post-season reset and set up a sharper offseason strategy focused on a stronger front five.

Dalton Risner’s Bengals debut hasn’t sealed Week 4’s right guard job against Denver. Zac Taylor flagged multiple options beside Ted Karras as Cincinnati tries to stabilize a struggling run game and shaky line play. Risner is still acclimating, and rookie Jalen Rivers could win the nod if he’s further along in the install.

With development on tap and the Broncos looming, fantasy managers should watch how the line reshuffles affects Burrow’s time in the pocket and the Bengals’ run attempts. If Rivers starts, expect a notable shift in protection schemes and potential late-week DFS pivots as the team weighs upside from rookie development versus immediate stability.

Reichard’s 62-yard blast set a Vikings record and fueled talk of a 70-yarder someday, even as he admits 59 yards is the max he trains for in season. Donovan Jackson lit up the left side with two pivotal blocks that opened Jordan Mason’s TD, while Levi Drake Rodriguez and a stouter run defense stymied Cincinnati. Isaiah Rodgers’ 87-yard pick-six highlighted a game with big plays, Okudah drew a surprised flag, and Minnesota rolled toward Pittsburgh.

Jackson’s grit and the interior line’s growth drove short-yardage success, Greenard’s grit sparked tackle-for-loss moments, and Rodgers’ friends added a defensive punch. A rapid, physical win cements Minnesota’s identity and raises questions about next-week’s grind against Pittsburgh’s ground game and a league watching Reichard chase more distance.

Josh Allen and Joe Burrow sit atop Week 1 fantasy QB rankings, pairing elite ceiling with rushing floor to set early draft tone.

Ja’Marr Chase and Malik Nabers lead Week 1 WR targets, Jahmyr Gibbs pushes ahead of Derrick Henry in early RB value, and Ted Karras’ one-year Bengals extension steadies Cincinnati’s interior. Dak Prescott’s opener and Jalen Carter’s ejection remind managers to monitor volatility beyond Week 1.