Cincinnati opened its preseason with Joe Burrow under center for 15 snaps, marking the most summer reps he’s ever logged. He completed 9 of 10 passes for 123 yards with two touchdowns and a near-perfect 157.5 passer rating, signaling a healthy, locked-in rhythm as Cincinnati plans to ramp his workload for September. The plan to play starters early aims to build on-field timing and toughness, turning preseason reps into Week 1 stability.

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were active in the first half, combining for four catches and 77 yards, including a 36-yard score from Chase that showcased the duo’s chemistry. Tanner Hudson capped Cincinnati’s opening drive with a quick curl for a TD. Burrow’s performance, plus the early strides from the receiver group, provide a blueprint for how the Bengals want to translate summer reps into sustained fantasy production once the games count.

Head coach Zac Taylor stressed the value of real-game pressure, insisting Burrow will see more preseason action than ever to build familiarity and readiness. Jake Browning’s moments late showed the other side of the equation, but the overarching takeaway is clear: the Bengals want Burrow’s ramp to pay dividends in September, with the offense’s core weapons primed for a strong start.

The New York Jets have made significant strides since their impressive 2022 NFL Draft, locking in key players like Garrett Wilson with a four-year, $130 million extension. This move ensures their No. 10 overall pick remains a centerpiece for the franchise. Meanwhile, fellow draft picks, Sauce Gardner and Jermaine Johnson II, are also expected to be in line for similar extensions after showcasing their potential. However, the future of other 2022 selections, such as Breece Hall, Max Mitchell, and Jeremy Ruckert, appears less certain as competition and team depth continue to grow.

With Hall’s performance impacted by the emergence of new running back talent and Mitchell now relegated to a depth role, their chances of receiving extensions seem slim. On the other hand, Johnson’s Pro Bowl-level play presents a compelling case for a new contract, especially given the uncertainty surrounding his Achilles injury. As the Jets navigate these decisions, their roster's financial landscape will play a crucial role in determining future contracts.

The Atlanta Falcons are under scrutiny following a prank call incident involving Shedeur Sanders, a rookie quarterback drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's son, Jax, inadvertently leaked Sanders' contact information from an unsecured iPad. This incident raises serious concerns about professional conduct and confidentiality within NFL organizations.

In a corporate environment, this breach would typically result in immediate disciplinary action, such as suspension or termination. Yet, the Falcons' response has been deemed inadequate by some, emphasizing a need for accountability within the league.

While prank calls are seen as harmless in some contexts, this situation illustrates the importance of safeguarding sensitive information, especially during pivotal moments like the NFL Draft.

Aaron Rodgers faced a challenging game as the New York Jets suffered a 40-14 defeat to the Buffalo Bills, marking one of the most disappointing losses in his two-decade career. This defeat dropped the Jets to a disappointing 4-12 record, highlighting a season filled with struggles. Rodgers, who aimed to become the fifth quarterback in NFL history to throw 500 touchdown passes, instead found himself making unwanted headlines as he was sacked four times, setting a new career total of 568 sacks, surpassing Tom Brady's previous record of 565.

During the game, Rodgers also threw two interceptions and was penalized for unnecessary roughness while attempting to make a tackle. His performance was subpar, completing only 12 of 18 passes for 112 yards, the lowest yardage he has recorded in a game with multiple interceptions. With the Jets trailing significantly, he was replaced by Tyrod Taylor, who managed to score both of New York's points. Despite the rough outing, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich indicated that Rodgers would likely start in the season finale against the Miami Dolphins.

Rodgers expressed uncertainty about his future, hinting that he might contemplate retirement after this season. The Jets' offensive line struggled, exacerbating the pressure on Rodgers, with injuries affecting key players. The game was marred by penalties, with the Jets committing 16 infractions for 120 yards, which Ulbrich described as frustrating and embarrassing. Despite the loss, wide receiver Garrett Wilson managed to reach a personal milestone by surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the third consecutive season, providing a rare highlight in an otherwise dismal game.

The New York Jets find themselves in a precarious situation as they head into their Week 17 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, relying on their third-string left tackle due to a series of injuries. This development presents a potential opportunity for the Bills’ struggling pass rush, which has ranked near the bottom of the league in sack percentage. With key players like AJ Epenesa and Von Miller failing to register sacks in recent weeks, the Jets' offensive line issues might be just what Buffalo needs to turn their fortunes around.

The Jets have already faced significant setbacks with the loss of two left tackles to season-ending injuries. Initially, perennial All-Pro Tyron Smith was placed on Injured Reserve, leading to rookie Olu Fashanu stepping into the role. However, Fashanu's foot injury against the Los Angeles Rams forced the Jets to promote Max Mitchell, a 2022 fourth-round pick, to the starting position. Mitchell has struggled to make his mark in the NFL, raising concerns about his ability to protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is dealing with an MCL sprain.

On the right side, veteran Morgan Moses is also battling a knee injury but has shown determination to play, having been upgraded to a limited participant in practice. His participation will be crucial as he faces a formidable Bills defense, particularly if he is not at full strength. With Mitchell and a potentially compromised Moses protecting Rodgers, the stage is set for Buffalo's pass rush to capitalize and potentially dominate in their upcoming divisional clash.