Trey Hendrickson's hold-in contract situation dominates the Bengals' preseason narrative, with Joe Burrow signaling cautious optimism that a deal could land close to Week One. Burrow invoked recent extensions for Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as historical precedent, suggesting Cincinnati typically finalizes important deals as the season nears. Reports of trade talks around Hendrickson keep the defense in flux, even as Cincinnati enters a pivotal fortnight before the opener. The Commanders game backdrop underscored the chatter around Hendrickson and the defensive ceiling without a settled pact.

Fantasy managers should watch the timeline closely: Hendrickson ready to rush the passer if signed; Burrow's confidence hints at an offense that should remain stable if the defense stays intact. Chase and Higgins' extensions highlight Cincinnati's willingness to invest in premium pass-game talent, while Burrow's own extension last year emphasizes the franchise's commitment to keeping core players together. In short, Week 1 could crystallize the Bengals' ceiling across both sides of the ball, with Hendrickson's status as the key variable.

Mitchell Tinsley lit up the Bengals’ exhibition showing, pulling in five receptions for 73 yards in the second quarter, including two leaping end-zone touchdowns that came only 20 seconds apart. His 21-yard grab in the back of the end zone capped a drive that started with a Barrett Carter pick, turning Monday night into a personal audition for Cincinnati’s final roster spot. The burst of production in the late first half underscored why Cincinnati’s depth at receiver is intriguing and why coach Zac Taylor has been high on him since training camp.

Joe Burrow amplified the message in the third quarter, praising Tinsley for his camp consistency and trustworthiness, saying, "That guy has been making plays all camp. Hopefully, he's secured a spot for us... He’s a smart guy, knows all the positions." With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins anchoring the group, Tinsley’s performance still matters as a potential complementary weapon who can line up outside, in the slot, or over the top when called upon.

The win over Washington reinforced the storyline: Cincinnati is deep at wideout, and Tinsley’s emergence adds a real layer of optimism for those tracking late-round or dynasty fantasy value. As he noted, staying mentally sharp and controlling what he can control has been key. His city of NFL beginnings now feels like a proving ground that could translate into a meaningful NFL role come Week 1, depending on how he finishes the preseason and how the team allocates spots on the 53.

Scottie Scheffler pulled off a Tiger Woods–style finish at the BMW Championship, holing from 82 feet to extend his run and capture a fifth win of the year. The victory reinforces Scheffler’s hold atop the PGA Tour and signals continued fantasy appeal for golf managers who ride the world’s No. 1 into the Tour Championship and Ryder Cup cycle. In the NFL, Cincinnati’s offseason drama around Trey Hendrickson’s extension and trade chatter casts a shadow over the Bengals’ vaunted defense, with Burrow and his top targets staying central to any weekly plan. Terry McLaurin’s return to practice in Washington injects optimism into the Commanders’ passing game, while Anthony Richardson’s rookie floor and rushing upside continue to entice fantasy rosters as the Colts prepare for a breakout season. Michigan’s postseason penalties add a financial backdrop to college football narratives, but the main stage remains pro football and pro baseball. Milwaukee’s MLB Power Rankings shakeups accompany a Brewers’ skid that could nudge buyers toward a few high-upside buys, while Zack Wheeler’s health and Marcello Mayer’s wrist injury reshape the early-season narratives in Philadelphia and Boston. The day’s schedule also highlights preseason takeaways and weekend watch lists that can shape weekly lineups and bets.

In short, Scheffler’s closing burst keeps majors and majors-adjacent contention in play for fantasy golf; the Bengals’ quest to maximize Hendrickson’s value looms as a critical variable for defensive scoring; McLaurin’s return plus Richardson’s rushing prowess offer compelling upside for Week 1; and Wheeler, Mayer, and other MLB milestones provide cross-sport angles for daily fantasy lineups as the calendar advances toward the fall.

The Cincinnati Bengals kicked the 2025 offseason into high gear by locking Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals while Trey Hendrickson entered negotiations with a stalemate. Hendrickson ultimately asked for a trade, skipped minicamp, and returned after talks stalled, leaving Cincinnati open to moving the All-Pro pass rusher. With Hendrickson carrying more than $18 million this season and the Bengals unwilling to meet his price, a market for him should flare up fast.

The piece lays out the five most plausible landing spots, anchored by Detroit, which has the cap space and a clear hunger for a true edge presence; Green Bay, which could pair a veteran with Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness; Indianapolis, where Lou Anarumo’s fingerprints could help maximize Hendrickson’s prolific years; Seattle, where Mike Macdonald can mold pressure, and Carolina, desperate for a jolt to its pass rush horde. The discussion also notes Hendrickson’s age and the market’s maturity, suggesting a dynamic summer for fantasy managers and bettors alike as rosters and salaries shift.

The Bengals’ backfield duel to accompany Chase Brown in 2025 will shape both offense and fantasy value. Cincinnati re-signed Samaje Perine, a reliable pass-blocker with third-down chops, creating a veteran floor behind the second-year Brown. Opposing a rookie, Tahj Brooks, a downhill runner from Texas Tech, adds a contrasting style and goal-line potential. The clash matters if the Bengals lean on efficiency in a high-volume, pass-heavy attack led by a healthy Joe Burrow.

Perine’s impact hinges on usage: if he claims the third-down and two-minute duties, he’s a steady PPR option in deeper leagues and best-ball formats. Brooks’ ceiling rides on red-zone opportunities and clear early-down snaps; in a run-heavy script or an injury to Brown, his role could surge. In a pass-first offense with Chase and Higgins, the RB2 battle carries real fantasy stakes as camp and preseason reps unfold.

Fantasy players should weigh roster construction: Perine is the safer hedge with consistent floor, especially in 14+ team leagues; Brooks is a stash for those chasing upside in Dynasty or deep convos about late-season spikes. Cincinnati’s context — Burrow’s health, light boxes against the pass — suggests upside exists for the committee, particularly in games that stay competitive and through fantasy playoff weeks.