Cincinnati elevates Lucas Patrick to the right guard spot for Week 1 against Cleveland, aiming to stabilize the interior for Joe Burrow. Patrick earned the nod with steady camp play and preseason clips, notably a 52.2 PFF grade vs Philadelphia and 70.2 vs Washington, underscoring reliability and experience from 64 NFL starts since 2017.

Patrick’s integration, aided by centers Ted Karras and Orlando Brown Jr., and the work ethic from the room, could raise Cincinnati’s run and pass protection. If Patrick and Dylan Fairchild deliver competent play, the Bengals’ interior line could elevate toward an elite mark, boosting Burrow’s comfort and giving fantasy managers clearer paths to upside for Bengals weapons.