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.

Cincinnati travels to Denver for a high stakes Monday night clash, navigating a string of injuries that strain their offense. Joe Burrow deals with a toe issue while tight end Noah Fant and rookie edge Shemar Stewart are ruled out, concussion protocol sidelines Fant. Cam Taylor-Britt returns to the secondary, and Risner and Perine are cleared after last week, though the right guard spot may see rookie Jalen Rivers. Kickoff is 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC.

The offensive line has been a recurring concern, and Fant and Stewart absence could shift targets and rushing dynamics. Monitor Risner status and Rivers’ snaps as Cincinnati leans on the run game and a possibly limited Burrow, with Denver's pass rush lurking in Mile High.

Dalton Risner’s Bengals debut hasn’t sealed Week 4’s right guard job against Denver. Zac Taylor flagged multiple options beside Ted Karras as Cincinnati tries to stabilize a struggling run game and shaky line play. Risner is still acclimating, and rookie Jalen Rivers could win the nod if he’s further along in the install.

With development on tap and the Broncos looming, fantasy managers should watch how the line reshuffles affects Burrow’s time in the pocket and the Bengals’ run attempts. If Rivers starts, expect a notable shift in protection schemes and potential late-week DFS pivots as the team weighs upside from rookie development versus immediate stability.

Cincinnati’s oxcart is in the ditch as the run game sinks to 2.41 yards per carry, a franchise-low pace through three games and 15th-worst since 1970. The reshuffling on the line is under microscope—Risner, Rivers, Ford, and a rookie guard-turned-option—while the passing attack struggles behind Jake Browning. With 5 interceptions and waning explosiveness, the Bengals must decide who they’ll rely on to anchor a turn-and-burn approach or pivot toward a more run-first identity.

Bengals coaches will study 23 late-game snaps to see if Rivers offers better run-blocking than Risner, while the option of Cody Ford looms if the unit needs a jolt. The underlying EPA numbers spell trouble: passing EPA is near the bottom, run EPA middling, and total pressure near the league’s worst. The margin for error is tiny as they face sharper defenses and a sputtering offense.

In short, Cincinnati must balance run and pass to avoid evaporating any season expectations. Until the ground game stabilizes and Browning can operate with fewer mistakes, the team’s outlook hinges on personnel tinkering and smarter game plans from the staff.