On today's show, we preview the Bengals' game vs. the Steelers this weekend, including players to watch and keys to victory for Cincinnati. Plus, the Falcons dominated Green Bay on Thursday Night Football; college football weekend preview ft. Texas vs. Tennessee and our Best Bets Of The Weekend.

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The Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers renew one of the NFL’s nastiest AFC North rivalries Sunday, with Cincinnati entering at 2-0 and Pittsburgh at 1-1. The Bengals have opened the season with wins over Tampa Bay and Houston, including a convincing 20-6 road victory over the Texans last week. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is coming off a 20-3 loss to New England in which its offense struggled to generate consistency. 

The central matchup is Cincinnati’s offense against Pittsburgh’s pass rush. Joe Burrow has thrown for 461 yards, three touchdowns and one interception through two games, while Ja’Marr Chase had a breakout performance against Houston with seven catches and two touchdowns. The Steelers will lean heavily on T.J. Watt, who already has 3.5 sacks this season and has historically been productive against Cincinnati. 

Pittsburgh’s offensive response is the biggest question mark. Aaron Rodgers has 408 passing yards through two games, but the Steelers have scored only three points in their most recent outing and have converted just 5 of 25 third-down opportunities this season. The Steelers will need better protection and more sustained drives against a Cincinnati defense that has looked significantly improved early in the season. 

Injuries could also shape the game. Cincinnati’s B.J. Hill has missed practices with an Achilles issue, while Pittsburgh is monitoring several players, including Michael Pittman Jr., Rico Dowdle, Jamel Dean and Joey Porter Jr. 

The rivalry history adds another layer: Pittsburgh leads the all-time series 72-41, and the teams split their two meetings last season. The Steelers won the most recent matchup 34-12 in Pittsburgh.

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On today's show, we react to the latest trade rumors surrounding Bengals backup QB Joe Flacco after the news that Giants QB Jaxson Dart would be out for the season. Plus, how will the Bengals replace Andrei Iosivas after this thumb injury and why the pressure is officially on for the Harbaugh brothers.

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Andrei Iosivas’ thumb injury is a meaningful blow to the Bengals, even though it is not expected to end his season. Iosivas tore a ligament in his thumb during Cincinnati’s Week 2 win over Houston and underwent surgery Wednesday. The Bengals placed him on injured reserve, meaning he must miss at least four games. ESPN reports that he is expected to miss roughly four to six weeks. 

The timing is unfortunate because Iosivas had established himself as Cincinnati’s No. 3 receiver behind Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. He started the first two games and played 57% of the Bengals’ offensive snaps. His production this season has been modest — three catches for 19 yards — but his value goes beyond the box score. Iosivas provides another outside target and gives Joe Burrow a reliable option when defenses focus their attention on Chase and Higgins. 

Cincinnati now appears likely to handle his snaps by committee. Zac Taylor specifically mentioned options in both the receiver and tight-end rooms. Dohnte Meyers and rookie Colbie Young are candidates for larger roles at receiver, while Mike Gesicki could see additional opportunities in the passing game. 

The biggest question is whether those players can collectively reproduce what Iosivas gave the offense. The Bengals don't necessarily need one player to replace him statistically; they can redistribute his snaps and targets among several players while continuing to build the passing game around Chase and Higgins.

For now, the injury looks more like a midseason depth problem than a season-altering setback. Cincinnati entered Week 3 at 2-0, and Taylor has indicated that Iosivas should return this season. But the next several weeks will test the Bengals' receiver depth and could give Young and Meyers an important opportunity to establish themselves.

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On today's show, we discuss the latest speculation surrounding Joe Burrow's rib as well as break down why the Bengals' pass rush through 2 weeks is not a fluke. Plus, Jaxson Dart will officially miss the rest of the season for the Giants, and a college football panic meter featuring Oregon and Oklahoma.

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Joe Burrow’s comments about his rib during the Bengals’ game against the Houston Texans have become one of the strangest stories of the young NFL season. Cincinnati defeated Houston 20–6, but Burrow took plenty of punishment throughout the game. He was sacked five times and hit 10 total times, making his comments about his rib even more surprising.

After the game, Burrow was caught talking to Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and thanking him. Burrow told Anderson, “You guys popped my rib back into place.” At first, the comment sounded almost unbelievable, especially considering how unusual it would be for a football player to describe an injury that way. However, video from the game later showed Burrow talking to teammates Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins about the same situation. Burrow explained that after taking a hit, something happened that made his rib feel like it had popped back into place, and he said it felt better afterward.

The situation was even more notable because Burrow had already been dealing with a back issue leading into the game. He had been limited in practice during the week and was listed as questionable before eventually being cleared to play. Despite the concerns, Burrow started and played the entire game.

Burrow finished with 207 passing yards and two touchdowns, both going to Chase. Cincinnati’s defense also played well, holding Houston to only six points.

While the rib comment sounds strange, Burrow was clearly describing something he felt happen during the game. There has not been enough publicly available medical information to know exactly what happened to his rib, so it would be wrong to assume it was literally dislocated and manually put back into place. What is clear is that Burrow took significant physical punishment, experienced an unusual rib issue, and still managed to finish the game and lead the Bengals to victory.

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On today's show, we break down some winners and losers from Sunday's game between the Bengals and the Texans. Plus, reacting to a dominant win by the Rams over the Giants on Monday Night Football and the NFL has a serious injury problem.

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Through two games, the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive line has gone from a question mark to one of the biggest reasons this team is 2-0.

The centerpiece is obvious: Dexter Lawrence has been everything Cincinnati hoped for when it brought him in. Against Houston, Lawrence consistently disrupted the interior, making life difficult for the Texans’ offensive line and helping Cincinnati generate pressure at a remarkable rate. The bigger takeaway is that the production isn’t coming from one player. The Bengals have been strong against the run, they’ve created consistent pressure without relying exclusively on blitzes, and the entire front looks more physical and disruptive than it did a year ago.

That’s a massive development for a defense that needed to become more aggressive.

And then there’s the other side of the line.

It might be time to start worrying a little about Orlando Brown Jr. Brown has been a fixture at left tackle since joining Cincinnati, but Week 2 was a rough one. Joe Burrow was pressured throughout the game, and Brown was involved in several of those breakdowns. For a team built around protecting Burrow and giving him enough time to find Ja’Marr Chase and the rest of Cincinnati’s playmakers, that’s something worth watching closely.

That doesn’t mean Brown suddenly can’t play. It’s only two games, and offensive-line problems rarely fall entirely on one player. Communication, quarterback timing and the play design can all contribute to pressure. But Brown’s early-season struggles are noticeable, particularly because Burrow’s health and ability to operate from the pocket are so important to everything Cincinnati wants to do offensively.

The encouraging part is that the defensive line looks capable of carrying a significant load. The concern is that Cincinnati may need that defense to compensate for some real issues on the other side of the line. Two games isn’t enough to panic, but it’s enough to start paying attention.

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On today's show, we react to the Bengals defeating the Houston Texans 20-6 to start the season 2-0, thanks to an incredible defensive performance. Also, Ja'Marr Chase comes alive and makes an unreal touchdown catch and what is the latest on Joe Burrow's health? Plus, Lane Kiffin makes his return to Oxford and falls to Ole Miss.

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The Cincinnati Bengals moved to 2–0 on the season Sunday with a convincing 20–6 road victory over the Houston Texans, putting together a balanced performance on both sides of the ball. 

The biggest story was the return of Ja’Marr Chase to the center of Cincinnati’s passing game. After catching just two passes for 12 yards in Week 1, Chase responded with seven receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns. His first score was a spectacular 32-yard catch late in the second quarter, giving Cincinnati a 7–0 lead. In the third quarter, Joe Burrow found Chase again for an 18-yard touchdown, extending the Bengals’ advantage to 17–3. 

Burrow finished 20-of-31 for 207 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. He played through a tight back and absorbed five sacks, but consistently made enough plays to keep Cincinnati in control. Tee Higgins also delivered a strong performance with five catches for 95 yards, while Chase Brown added 80 rushing yards on 20 carries. 

Cincinnati’s defense was arguably just as important. The Bengals limited Houston to only 60 rushing yards and held the Texans to two field goals despite C.J. Stroud throwing for 353 yards. Houston went 5-for-17 on third down and failed to score a touchdown. Dexter Lawrence made a crucial fourth-down stop in the red zone, while the Bengals generated consistent pressure on Stroud. 

Evan McPherson added two field goals from beyond 50 yards, including a 57-yarder, as Cincinnati steadily pulled away.

Overall, the Bengals showed they could win without needing a huge offensive explosion. They protected the football, played strong defense and got their biggest stars involved when it mattered most. At 2–0, Cincinnati now heads into its AFC North matchup with Pittsburgh next Sunday with plenty of momentum.

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On today's show, we preview Sunday's tilt between the Bengals and the Texans. Plus, we react to another dominant performance from Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Also, we go around the NFL and CFB to discuss some of this weekend's biggest games and finish today's show with our Best Bets Of The Weekend.

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The Bengals head to Houston this Sunday with a chance to open the 2026 season 2-0, but the Texans present a much different challenge than Tampa Bay did in Week 1. Cincinnati escaped the Buccaneers 33-27, while Houston opened its season with a 36-31 loss to Buffalo.

From the Bengals’ perspective, the biggest storyline is Joe Burrow and the passing game. Burrow threw for 254 yards and a touchdown against Tampa Bay, and Houston’s secondary showed some vulnerability in Week 1, allowing Buffalo to throw for 323 yards. Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter were targeted frequently, while safety Reed Blankenship also gave up significant yardage. 

Cincinnati will also need to deal with Houston’s pass rush. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter combined for 27 sacks last season, although neither had a sack against Buffalo. The Bengals' offensive line therefore faces an important early test, particularly if Houston can generate pressure without sending extra rushers. 

On defense, Cincinnati has an opportunity to make life uncomfortable for C.J. Stroud. He threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1, but he also lost two fumbles, both of which became turnovers. Cincinnati enters Sunday with a +3 turnover differential, tied for the league lead after one game. 

Houston’s running game deserves attention, too. David Montgomery scored three touchdowns against Buffalo and handled 23 touches, while the Texans generated several explosive runs. 

There is also uncertainty surrounding both teams’ stars. Burrow was limited in practice with a back issue, while Houston receiver Nico Collins missed Thursday’s practice with a hamstring injury. 

For Cincinnati, this is an early opportunity to prove that Week 1 was more than a promising start: protect Burrow, create pressure on Stroud, and avoid giving Houston short fields. Kickoff is Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium.

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On today's show, we react to the latest Bengals injury news after Joe Burrow was a limited participant in practice due to back tightness. Plus, a Bills vs. Lions preview where Buffalo will unveil their new stadium, and is Sam Leavitt actually doubtful to play for LSU vs. Ole Miss?

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow surfaced on the injury report with back tightness following the team's Week 1 victory. During practice, Burrow was listed as a limited participant, tossing lightly during individual drills and relying heavily on mental reps. He noted that he cannot pinpoint a specific play that caused the issue, as the stiffness did not set in until after the game concluded. Despite the scare, Burrow has expressed absolute confidence in his availability, calling any notion that he would miss Sunday's upcoming matchup against the Houston Texans "ridiculous".

"If I'm not having surgery, I'll be out there," Burrow told reporters.  

Teammates and coaches have downplayed major concerns, categorizing the situation as standard early-season soreness. While his practice reps may continue to be managed dynamically leading up to game day, the franchise quarterback fully expects to start and handle his normal offensive duties against Houston.  

How are you adjusting your fantasy lineup or expectations for the Bengals offense this week? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, make sure to hit that subscribe button for more daily NFL updates, and turn on notifications so you never miss a breaking injury report!

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On today's show, we break down Joe Burrow's new play style after he only dealt with 8 pressures and was sacked once in Week 1. Plus, thoughts on the Arch Manning / Holly Rowe "controversy," and is it already time to panic for the Rams and Chargers?

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Cincinnati Bengals right tackle Amarius Mims faces one of the premier litmus tests of his young NFL career in Week 2 against the Houston Texans. Coming off a dominant Week 1 performance against Tampa Bay—where he shut out rookie pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. without allowing a pressure on 37 dropbacks—Mims now anchors the right side against one of the league’s most terrifying pass-rushing duos.

Houston’s defense centers around edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. While Anderson primarily lines up on the left side and will draw direct reps against Mims, Houston frequently shifts Hunter across the line to exploit one-on-one blocking schemes.  

The Anderson Battle: Anderson brings explosive bend, quick step-off, and elite speed-to-power converts. At 6-foot-8 and 340 pounds, Mims possesses the reach and frame to neutralize speed rushers, but he must maintain technical discipline with his footwork on the edge. If Mims lunges early, Anderson’s quick inside counter will create instant pressure on Joe Burrow.

Handling Hunter’s Veteranship: When Hunter shifts over, Mims faces a seasoned pass rusher who utilizes long-arm extensions and relentless motor. Mims' anchor strength in pass protection will be tested heavily on third-and-long situations.

Beyond pure pass protection, Cincinnati’s offensive scheme relies on Mims’ elite mobility. In Week 1, Mims showcased his agility on pulling plays, paving the way for key gains on the perimeter. Against Houston’s aggressive front, using Mims as a moving blocker in screen and outside-zone concepts can slow down the Texans' edge rushers and keep their defense honest.  

Keeping Burrow clean in noisy road environments is crucial. If Mims can mirror his Week 1 technique and hold up against Houston's blue-chip edge talent, it will solidify his trajectory toward the league's upper tier of tackles.

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On today's show, we break down some winners and losers from the Bengals' Week 1 win over the Broncos. Plus, we react to the Chiefs beating the Broncos and why would Sean Payton give up playcalling? Plus, takeaways from around the NFL featuring the Ravens, Bills, and Packers.

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For a Cincinnati Bengals defense that endured a rough season in 2025, the development of linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. could be one of the biggest reasons for optimism in 2026.

The Bengals went 6-11 last season, with their defense once again struggling to consistently get stops. That made the development of their young linebackers especially important. Knight and Carter showed flashes as rookies, but both entered their second seasons needing to become more consistent, instinctive and impactful.

Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, that growth was on full display.

Knight made one of the biggest plays of the game, scooping up a fumble and returning it 27 yards for a touchdown. Carter was also disruptive, helping bring down Baker Mayfield on a sack with Myles Murphy before forcing a fumble that created another scoring opportunity. Their ability to create turnovers showed a level of aggression and confidence that Bengals fans did not see enough of from the defense last season.

What makes their performance even more encouraging is that neither player needed to simply pile up tackles to make an impact. Carter and Knight were affecting the game by attacking the football, creating pressure and turning defensive opportunities into points.

That is the type of growth Cincinnati needs from its young defensive core. Knight already showed his ability to be around the football as a rookie, while Carter demonstrated the instincts and physicality to become a reliable three-down linebacker. Now, the next step is consistency.

One game cannot erase the problems that plagued Cincinnati's defense last year, but the performance against Tampa Bay provided an encouraging glimpse of what this unit could become. If Carter and Knight continue playing with that same confidence, physicality and aggression, they could emerge as two of the most important pieces of a Bengals defense looking to make a major turnaround.

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On today's show, we break down key takeaways from the Bengals' Week 1 victory over the Buccaneers, where seemingly all of the newcomers made an impact. Plus, Arch Manning and Texas come back to stun Ryan Day and Ohio State in the fourth quarter.

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The Cincinnati Bengals couldn’t have asked for a better way to open the 2026 season. Cincinnati defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 33-27 on Sunday, giving Bengals fans plenty of reasons to believe this team can make some noise this year.

The biggest story was the Bengals defense, which looked dramatically improved from last season. Cincinnati forced four turnovers and recovered all four Tampa Bay fumbles. Those takeaways helped the Bengals jump out to a 24-10 halftime lead and provided the kind of defensive spark that was missing far too often last season.

The Bengals also got immediate contributions from some of their offseason additions. Demetrius Knight Jr. turned a fumble recovery into a 27-yard touchdown, while Bryan Cook recovered another fumble in the end zone. Boye Mafe also made his presence felt, showing why Cincinnati believed adding him could make a difference.

Joe Burrow was steady throughout the afternoon, completing 25 of 35 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown. He connected with Mike Gesicki for Cincinnati’s first offensive touchdown, while Chase Brown added a five-yard rushing score. Ja’Marr Chase was held to just two catches for 12 yards, but the Bengals still found enough ways to move the ball.

Evan McPherson was also a difference-maker, hitting impressive field goals from 55 and 58 yards and giving Cincinnati valuable points when drives stalled.

The Buccaneers made things interesting in the second half, cutting Cincinnati’s lead to seven points after a pick-six. However, Burrow and the Bengals offense responded with a crucial late drive that helped drain the clock and put the game away.

It wasn’t a perfect performance, but that may be the most encouraging part. Cincinnati won despite mistakes, a quiet game from Chase, and a second-half comeback attempt. If the defense continues creating turnovers and the offense finds its rhythm, the Bengals could be a team nobody wants to face this season.

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