Joe Burrow’s surgery sidelines the starter, but Cincinnati’s field-position play remains a weapon. The Bengals sit fifth in starting field position at 34.3 yards, aided by a defense that creates takeaways and a revamped kickoff unit that’s producing even with inexperience. Samaje Perine and Charlie Jones have been the core returners, with Perine six for 154 yards and Jones three for 70, including a game where Jacksonville forced Jones out and Perine handled six returns. Excluding a muffed return, the unit posts a 30.8-yard clip, a potential game-changer for Browning’s early drives. A mix of rookies—Barrett Carter, Mitch Tinsley, P.J. Jules, Oren Burks—and Noah Fant are learning the role under Darrin Simmons, turning field position into real scoring chances.

The Cincinnati Bengals face a tougher final cut than in recent years, with more rookies in prominent roles and veterans battling for 53-man spots. Depth battles span the defensive line, safety corps, and wide receivers, while new coaches add to the complexity of decisions ahead of the roster deadline.

Key bubble players highlighted include McKinnley Jackson, Daijahn Anthony, and Isaiah Williams, each facing pressure to secure a spot or risk waivers. The safety group is still unsettled behind Geno Stone and Jordan Battle, with Tycen Anderson and PJ Jules in the mix. The WR room remains competitive behind Mitchell Tinsley, Charlie Jones, and Jermaine Burton, potentially pushing Williams to the waiver wire.

Mitchell Tinsley is emerging as a near-lock on Cincinnati's final 53-man roster, a surprising feat for an undrafted rookie on a depth chart led by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. His absence from the last preseason game and strong summer signals trust from the coaches and a real path to a fantasy-relevant role behind the big-name trio.

With Andrei Iosivas and Charlie Jones pushing for snaps, Tinsley’s poised roster spot could quietly elevate Bengals’ depth at receiver, offering late-round fantasy upside in deeper leagues if he cements a consistent role as a Week 1 contributor.

Cincinnati opened preseason on a high note, riding Joe Burrow’s efficiency and a flourishing connection with Charlie Jones as Cincinnati rolled to a 31-17 win over Washington. Burrow steered three possessions, completing 9 of 14 passes for 62 yards, including a 4-yard TD to Jones on his final throw. Chase Brown capped a 58-yard opening march with a 1-yard TD on fourth-and-goal. The Bengals used starters more, scoring TDs on four of five Burrow-led drives across two exhibition games, signaling a sharp start to the regular season grind for fantasy rosters.

Washington’s lone Daniels appearance flashed athleticism without passing, as the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year scampered for a 14-yard TD late in the first half while the Commanders protected him behind a thinned OL and wet field. Jacory Croskey-Merritt stood out as a training-camp darling with a 27-yard TD run late in the second quarter, and Chris Rodriguez piled up 62 rushing yards to boost his rotation odds. Washington leaned on its run game and chipped-in field goals, underscoring backfield uncertainty and potential late-round upside for fantasy drafters.

Notes stacked on both sides: Cincinnati’s Myles Murphy remains sidelined, Trey Hendrickson sat out, and the depth chart keeps shifting behind Burrow’s likely Week 1 workload. Washington cut into its own plans, with McLaurin absent amid a contract dispute and young backs like Croskey-Merritt showing promise. Mitchell Tinsley snagged two late first-half TDs for Cincinnati off Jake Browning’s throws, a reminder of how the depth chart can surprise in fantasy leagues. Up next, Cincinnati welcomes Indianapolis, while Washington closes its preseason against Baltimore.