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.

Denver must snap its skid on Monday Night Football against Cincinnati. Luke Wattenberg needs a clean rebound at center, diagnosing stunts and protecting Bo Nix to jumpstart a zone-heavy run game. RJ Harvey should be featured more as a receiving option out of the backfield to balance the attack and spare the rookie in the ground game. Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto have to bring sustained edge pressure, exploiting Bengals tackles Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims. A cleaner line, smarter backfield usage, and tighter rush discipline could flip the game in Denver’s favor.

Payton’s plans hinge on Wattenberg’s growth, Harvey’s versatility as a pass catcher, and Cooper/Bonitto delivering pressure on Jake Browning. If Denver can translate interior protection into a dependable short-passing rhythm and turn quick pressures into sacks, they’ll carve out a pivotal win and steady their season trajectory.

Bengals eye Kadyn Proctor at No. 12 in a speculative 2026 mock, citing Orlando Brown Jr.'s age and contract window. Proctor’s size (6’7, 360) and athleticism would provide a long-term left-tackle plan and could backstop Amarius Mims at right tackle if needed.

Historical caution colors the analysis: Cincinnati let Andrew Whitworth walk instead of committing, then watched a hall-of-fame-like left tackle flourish elsewhere. Brown’s early 2025 struggles — eight pressures in three games — sharpen questions about paying big for a 30-year-old tackle, shaping a fragile balance between development and cap strategy.

The piece frames the pick as a development-and-cap move to keep the offense competitive as the roster turns over, especially if Hendrickson’s future with the team shifts the edge-rush dynamic.

The Bengals must rebound on Monday Night Football in Denver, demanding sharper protection and a more explosive passing attack. Orlando Brown Jr. faces a stern test against Denver’s edge pressure, while Tee Higgins is asked to reclaim top-Receiver status as Ja’Marr Chase draws Patrick Surtain. Dax Hill remains a disruptive defender who could swing momentum with a timely play. Cincinnati needs a cleaner run game and fewer turnovers to pair with a sharper aerial attack.

Higgins, paid like a number-one target, has struggled early, and the unit’s success hinges on him generating yards against Denver’s rookie coverage duo Barron and Moss. A return to last season’s efficiency against the Broncos would firm up the path to victory, especially if Brown steadies the line and Hill keeps delivering big plays on defense, giving Cincinnati a real shot on the road.

Myles Garrett returns to action for a Week 1 showdown against Cincinnati, after a hip scare that briefly sidelined him. The Browns lean on Garrett, who has dominated Burrow in the past with nine sacks in eight meetings, including multiple two-sack games. Cincinnati counters with Orlando Brown Jr. and Dylan Fairchild up front, while Burrow must manage protections IDs and quick releases to keep the edge at bay. The atmosphere underscores a pivotal AFC North clash with significant fantasy and betting implications.

Garrett’s health is the x-factor; if he looks limited, the Browns’ pass rush could soften, boosting Burrow’s ceiling. If Garrett bursts through as usual, Burrow faces a tougher task, potentially increasing sack and turnover risk. For fantasy owners, Garrett’s status and the left-side of Cincinnati’s line are key pivots for Week 1 projections and DFS stacking options.