Flacco’s arrival injects veteran poise into Cincinnati’s offense on short notice, giving the Bengals a puncher’s chance as Burrow heals. Browning’s fading arm and limited field vision made an emergency trade almost mandatory, reframing the backup landscape for the rest of the season.

This move tests Zac Taylor’s judgment and sets a pivotal stage for Thursday’s clash with Pittsburgh, where Cincinnati will try to steady the offense and keep playoff hopes alive.

Denver sits at 4-2 entering Week 7, its best mark since 2016 and a strong sign that a postseason berth is within reach in a crowded AFC. A key factor is the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Los Angeles Chargers, which currently keeps them ahead in the division race despite the Chargers also sitting at 4-2. The Chiefs and Raiders trail, with Kansas City at 3-3 and Las Vegas 2-4, while a seven-team playoff field looms: four division winners plus three wild cards. If the season ended now, Denver would be the No. 7 seed. Up next: a home date with the New York Giants in Week 7.

Across the conference, Indianapolis (5-1), Pittsburgh (4-1), the Chargers, New England (4-2), Jacksonville (4-2), Buffalo (4-2), and Denver (4-2) sit in the mix. Kansas City is currently the No. 8 seed, still capable of climbing into the playoff picture either as a division winner or a wild card. Week 7’s matchup slate and late-season calendars will determine whether Denver can sustain momentum toward January football.

Ja'Marr Chase joined a rare club with 12 games of 10+ catches and a TD, cementing his status as Cincinnati’s offensive keystone while the Bengals navigate a 2-4 start.

Flacco and Browning’s early rhythm with Chase and Tee Higgins hints at a growing chemistry, setting the stage for a pivotal Thursday night visit from Pittsburgh. Expect Chase to anchor the target share, with Higgins offering a high-ceiling secondary option as Cincinnati looks to rebound.

Chiefs hold No. 1 as penalties questions swirl; Baker Mayfield’s MVP chatter fuels Tampa Bay’s 5–1 run and Seattle’s 4–2 push remains playoff-adjacent. Colts’ scoring pace through six weeks sets a high fantasy bar, while Detroit’s slip adds a narrative about officiating and big plays. Jordan Love and the Packers are rising in MVP talk, Jared Verse powers a Rams defense that settled a tough win, and Bijan Robinson anchors Atlanta’s breakout run.

Beyond the top tier, the week emphasizes coaching wrinkles, passer efficiency, and multi-path fantasy scoring as late-season momentum builds. Kyler Murray’s health, Carson Wentz’s potential revenge arc, and the ongoing drama around Cowboys fixes under Rex Ryan and Brian Schottenheimer add narrative depth for rosters. Target efficient passers, versatile backs, and teams with favorable schedules as byes tighten the window.

Bottom line for fantasy managers: chase ceilings, monitor defensive tendencies, and map the rest of the season around offenses that can produce multiple avenues to score without relying on a single playmaker.