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.

Cam Taylor-Britt acknowledged Week 1 struggles and pledged sharper execution after a postgame talk with Al Golden. The Bengals’ cornerback vows to elevate coverage as Cincinnati leans on a growing secondary, including Jordan Battle and DJ Turner II, to tighten the defense.

The unit limited deep throws to 6.4 yards per attempt and targets Week 2 against Jacksonville, aiming to flip the script and keep the all-time series with the Jaguars balanced at 13-13. For fantasy, CTB’s rebound potential hinges on how quickly the Bengals’ secondary clicks as a cohesive unit.

Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season highlighted Alabama alums making impact plays across the league. Derrick Henry ripped for 169 yards and 2 TDs on 18 carries for Baltimore, with a long 49-yard run and a 13-yard catch. Jalen Hurts produced 62 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs while going 19-for-23 for 152 yards. Jordan Battle led Cincinnati with 12 tackles, 5 solo, plus an interception. Will Anderson Jr. and Henry To'oTo'o each stood out for Houston with multi-stat contributions, including a sack and several TFLs.

Henry’s big day signals a thunderous early-season workload, Hurts’ dual-threat value remains elite, Battle’s IDP ceiling is clear, and the Texans flashed a disruptive front seven with Anderson and To'oTo'o providing pressure and run-stopping bursts. Week 1 affirmed Alabama’s continued NFL imprint, with multiple teammates delivering meaningful fantasy and DFS implications.

Fantasy takeaway: lean on high-volume backs like Henry, chase Hurts’ ceiling, monitor Battle’s tackle and turnover upside, and value Will Anderson and To'oTo'o for sack and tackle upside in IDP formats as the weeks unfold.