On today's show, we react to last night's Rams vs. 49ers game in Australia, where Sean McVay tried to outthink the room. Plus, previews for Bengals vs. Buccaneers and Ohio State vs. Texas and our Best Bets Of The Weekend.

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The Cincinnati Bengals open the 2026 NFL season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and from a Bengals perspective, there is plenty at stake. After missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, Cincinnati enters the year with high expectations. Starting the season with a win would immediately build confidence and show that this team is ready to compete.

The biggest advantage for the Bengals is their offense. Joe Burrow is healthy and has one of the league’s most dangerous groups of playmakers around him. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins give Burrow two elite targets capable of changing the game on any possession. Chase Brown should also play an important role in the running game, giving Cincinnati another way to attack Tampa Bay’s defense.

For the Bengals, though, the biggest question will be whether the defense can take a major step forward. Cincinnati has made significant changes to its defensive front, adding experience and talent in an effort to become more aggressive and consistent. Getting pressure on Baker Mayfield will be critical. If the Bengals can disrupt him, limit big plays and force Tampa Bay into difficult third-down situations, Cincinnati should have a strong chance to control the game.

Playing at home should provide another advantage. The Bengals need to come out with energy and avoid the slow starts that have hurt them in the past. A fast start from Burrow and the offense could put pressure on Tampa Bay early and allow the defense to attack.

Ultimately, this matchup is an opportunity for Cincinnati to make a statement. The Bengals have the offensive talent to score with anyone, and their revamped defense has something to prove. If Burrow protects the football, the offense finishes drives and the defense creates pressure, Cincinnati should have a very realistic chance to open the season with a win and give Bengals fans plenty of optimism for what lies ahead.

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On today's show, we react to the Seattle Seahawks beating the New England Patriots after Sam Darnold went down with an injury on Seattle's fifth play. Plus, the latest extension rumors for DJ Turner and Dax Hill and why Chase Brown is poised for a massive year in 2026.

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The latest word around the Cincinnati Bengals is that neither DJ Turner nor Dax Hill appears likely to receive an extension before the 2026 season begins. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Turner’s deal has “virtually no chance” of getting done before Week 1, while more recent reporting indicates the Bengals may ultimately wait until after the season to make a decision.

Turner is clearly the bigger priority. The fourth-year cornerback broke out in 2025 and established himself as one of Cincinnati’s most important defensive players. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and because he was a second-round pick, Cincinnati does not have a fifth-year option. Turner has said the two sides are talking, but the negotiations have apparently not progressed enough to produce a deal. 

The interesting possibility is the franchise tag. Cincinnati has used that strategy before with players such as Jessie Bates and Tee Higgins.orner role, but he hasn't yet put together enough consistently elite production to make a major long-term commitment obvious. His injury history also makes the Bengals' caution understandable. If Turner has another strong season, however, the price of retaining him could become significantly higher. 

Hill is a more complicated case. The Bengals exercised his fifth-year option for 2026, giving them another season to evaluate him. Hill showed encouraging development after moving toward a boundary-corner role, but he hasn't yet put together enough consistently elite production to make a major long-term commitment obvious. His injury history also makes the Bengals' caution understandable. 

The big takeaway: Turner looks like the priority, Hill looks like the wait-and-see candidate, and neither appears close to an extension right now. Cincinnati may prefer to let the 2026 season determine which players it is willing to pay rather than locking both up prematurely.

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On today's show, we go through each Bengals game on the 2026 schedule and predict Cincinnati's final record. Plus, we pick the 14 teams to make the NFL playoffs and crown a Super Bowl champion. Also, the Bengals released their first depth chart, and there was one shocker. 

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The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2026 season with a familiar goal: turn elite offensive talent into a championship run. After a disappointing 6–11 campaign last year, expectations are much higher in Cincinnati, largely because Joe Burrow returns healthy and the Bengals have dramatically upgraded their defense. 

Burrow remains the centerpiece of the team. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins alongside him, Cincinnati has one of the NFL’s most dangerous passing attacks. If Burrow stays healthy and the offensive line holds up, the Bengals should be capable of scoring against virtually anyone. The biggest question is whether they can consistently complement that offense.

That is where the offseason changes become particularly important. Cincinnati added veteran defensive stars including Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe, giving the defense considerably more experience and firepower. The hope is that this group can prevent the defense from becoming the weakness it has been during recent seasons.

The schedule also provides opportunities. Cincinnati opens at home against Tampa Bay before traveling to Houston and Pittsburgh. Later in the season, the Bengals face Kansas City and Baltimore in marquee games, while also traveling to Madrid to play Atlanta. They finish the regular season with Baltimore at home on New Year’s Eve. 

The AFC North remains difficult, particularly with Baltimore expected to challenge for the division. Still, the Bengals have enough star power to contend for the AFC's top seed if everything breaks right.

Prediction: 11–6, AFC North champions. If Burrow stays healthy and the revamped defense lives up to its potential, Cincinnati has a legitimate chance to return to the Super Bowl conversation. 

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On today's show, we discuss what Al Golden had to say about Cashius Howell and Barrett Carter. Plus, some thoughts on the Bengals' 2026 captains and the pressure on Zac Taylor. Also, we break down week 1 of college football, including Trinidad Chambliss' performance, Michigan's luck, and Lane Kiffin embracing the villain role.

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The Cincinnati Bengals officially turned their attention toward the regular season Monday as they opened preparations for Sunday’s Week 1 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Paycor Stadium. The practice provided an encouraging look at several key players as Cincinnati begins the final stretch before the opener.

Head coach Zac Taylor was pleased with the progress of wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, along with defensive end Shemar Stewart. Chase has been dealing with a knee issue, Higgins with a heel injury and Stewart with a hyperextended knee that kept him out for much of training camp. Their work Monday gave the Bengals optimism heading into Week 1. The coaching staff will continue to monitor Stewart as he works his way back into football shape.

The biggest news of the day, however, was the announcement of Cincinnati’s seven captains for the 2026 season. Quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and center Ted Karras will serve as offensive captains, continuing their roles as some of the Bengals’ most established leaders.

On defense, the Bengals named Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook and DJ Turner II as captains. Lawrence, one of the biggest additions to Cincinnati’s roster, brings years of experience and leadership from his time with the New York Giants. Cook has quickly become an important voice in the Bengals’ secondary, while Turner has emerged as a talented young cornerback and respected presence in the locker room.

Evan McPherson rounds out the group as the special teams captain.

The seven captains represent a combination of established stars, returning leaders and new voices. With Burrow and Chase leading the offense and Lawrence helping anchor a revamped defense, Cincinnati enters the 2026 season with high expectations and a clear emphasis on leadership as the team prepares for its Week 1 test.

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On today's show, we go around the AFC North and react to the latest news ft. the Steelers QB situation and Bengals extension talk. Plus, 5 Bengals who could be hidden gems and predictions for the college football playoffs.

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The Cincinnati Bengals enter the final stretch before the 2026 regular season with plenty of optimism, but also a few health questions. Cincinnati is coming off an unbeaten preseason, capped by a convincing 30–13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 28. The Bengals' depth made a strong impression throughout the preseason, helping create some difficult decisions when the roster was trimmed to 53 players.

One of the biggest storylines heading into Week 1 is the health of star wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase has been dealing with a hyperextended knee, while Higgins has a bruised heel. Both were limited in practice this week, but head coach Zac Taylor has indicated that both receivers are expected to be ready for Cincinnati's Sept. 13 opener against Tampa Bay. 

The Bengals' revamped defense remains another major source of excitement. Cincinnati made significant offseason investments, including acquiring defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, while adding veteran leadership elsewhere on defense. The goal is clear: give Joe Burrow and an explosive offense enough defensive support to make a serious postseason run. 

Cincinnati also finalized its 53-man roster with several intriguing young players earning spots. Wide receiver Dohnte Meyers and defensive tackle Landon Robinson were among the notable camp standouts who made the team. The Bengals subsequently continued building their practice squad and added offensive-line depth, including former Eagles tackle Myles Hinton. 

The Bengals now have a little over a week to prepare for Tampa Bay. With Burrow leading the offense, Chase and Higgins expected back, and a significantly strengthened defense, expectations are high in Cincinnati. The team's immediate priority is simply getting healthy and turning preseason promise into regular-season success. 

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On today's show, we react to the news of Shemar Stewart returning to practice despite Zac Taylor calling him week to week a couple of days ago. Plus, Joe Burrow talks Dexter Lawrence and the Bengals defense on Ja'Marr Chase's podcast, Hector Rodriguez proving himself with the Reds, and is Baker Mayfield poised for a big season?

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The Cincinnati Bengals received an encouraging boost this week as defensive end Shemar Stewart returned to practice after missing more than a month with a hyperextended left knee.

Stewart suffered the injury on the opening day of training camp and initially feared the worst. The former first-round pick was eventually able to avoid injured reserve, giving Cincinnati hope that he could return early in the regular season. Stewart was back on the practice field Wednesday, marking an important step in his recovery as the Bengals prepare for their September 13 opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The timing is significant for a Bengals defense that has undergone a major transformation this offseason. Cincinnati added veteran stars including Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen, while also bringing in Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe. Stewart's return would give the Bengals another young, athletic piece to rotate along a defensive line that is expected to be one of the team's biggest strengths.

While Stewart's return provided encouraging news, quarterback Joe Burrow created headlines of his own during the debut episode of Ja'Marr Chase's new podcast, Chasing No. 1. Burrow, Chase's longtime teammate dating back to LSU, said his primary goal for the 2026 season is simple: “I just want to win.”

Burrow went further, explaining that he sensed something different about this Bengals team during offseason workouts. He said he could “feel it in my bones” and “in my soul,” particularly because of the new mentality and leadership brought to the defense.

Burrow specifically praised the addition of Lawrence and said Cincinnati had brought in “the right guys” with the right mindset to pursue a Super Bowl. Chase agreed, saying he could feel the difference as well and comparing the team's energy to the Bengals' 2021 season.

With Stewart working his way back and Burrow openly embracing Super Bowl expectations, Cincinnati enters the season with confidence—and considerably higher expectations.

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On today's show, we react to Jeremy Fowler's report that the Bengals and DJ Turner are not close at all to a contract extension. Also, some thoughts on the Bengals swing tackle battle after adding two linemen. Plus, will the Texans extend CJ Stroud, and did the Patriots cross the line with latest controversy?

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Jeremy Fowler’s latest report on Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner is a significant development for a team that has made keeping its young defensive talent a priority. Fowler reports that the Bengals and Turner are not close to reaching a contract extension, making it increasingly likely that Turner will play the 2026 season on the final year of his rookie deal.

That is notable because Turner has developed into an important piece of Cincinnati’s secondary. The 2023 second-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the Bengals have already seen enough from him to view him as a potential long-term starter. Turner’s current deal carries a relatively modest 2026 cap charge of about $4 million, according to Over The Cap. 

The bigger story, however, is what could happen next offseason. Fowler believes the franchise tag could be a legitimate option for Cincinnati if the two sides remain apart. The Bengals have used that strategy before, most notably with safety Jessie Bates III in 2022. Fowler specifically pointed to that situation as a potential blueprint for Turner. 

For the Bengals, the franchise tag would provide another year of control and prevent Turner from simply walking into unrestricted free agency. But it would also come with a potentially massive price tag, particularly if the cornerback market continues to rise. Cincinnati could therefore find itself choosing between paying Turner now, paying him considerably more later, or using the tag as a temporary solution.

From Turner’s perspective, playing out his rookie contract could also make sense. A strong 2026 season would put him in position to enter free agency with significant leverage and potentially command one of the league’s larger cornerback contracts.

Ultimately, Fowler’s report suggests that the Bengals have a decision looming rather than an agreement imminent. Cincinnati clearly values Turner, but the gap between what the team wants to pay and what Turner’s camp believes he is worth appears substantial. 

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On today's show, we react to how the Bengals' practice squad is shaping up after Josh Johnson and Tanner Hudson agreed to return this morning. Plus, the Reds made another mistake with Elly De La Cruz, and college QBs under the most pressure this season.

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As of Tuesday morning, Sept. 1, the Bengals have 11 players on their practice squad, with the expectation that the group can still change as Cincinnati continues to work the waiver wire. The current group is QB Sean Clifford; RBs Kentrel Bullock and Kendall Milton; WRs Noah Thomas and Jordan Moore; DT Howard Cross III; DE Isaiah Foskey; LBs Joe Giles-Harris and Shaka Heyward; CB Bralyn Lux; and S Russ Yeast.

The interesting part is that Cincinnati still has room to maneuver. The team made its initial 53-man roster Sunday, then claimed offensive tackle Myles Hinton from Philadelphia and released tight end Tanner Hudson to make room. The Bengals also retained several young players who could have been vulnerable to waiver claims, giving them a fairly deep pool of developmental players heading into Week 1. 

The bigger story, though, is the Albert Breer piece from Monday, “Why Success for the Bengals in 2026 Feels ‘Inevitable’ for Joe Burrow.” 

Burrow was unusually candid about his expectations. He compared the feeling around this Bengals team to what he experienced at LSU in 2019, when he sensed internally that the Tigers were headed for something special. He said he has that same feeling now.

Most notably, Burrow isn't backing away from Super Bowl-or-bust expectations. He said, “I’ve never understood why people are scared to say it,” explaining that the team needs to set that expectation and work toward it every day. He also said he expects himself to be the best version of himself and wants to be playing in January and February. 

His optimism is based on more than confidence. Burrow specifically pointed to Cincinnati's dramatically deeper defensive line, highlighted Dexter Lawrence II and Jonathan Allen as vocal leaders, and said the improved defense should allow the offense to play more balanced football rather than feeling like every possession is “do or die.” 

And perhaps most revealingly, after missing extended time in two of the last three seasons, Burrow said he's simply excited to play. He described being injured as lonely and said he has put a lot of work into getting back on the field. 

Read Breer’s full piece at Sports Illustrated

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On today's show, we react to the Bengals' 53-man roster, including some surprises at offensive line and wide receiver. Plus, Aaron Donald is officially set to come out of retirement, Bill Belichick and UNC upset TCU, and Scottie Scheffler wins his second tour championship.

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The Bengals have officially trimmed their roster to 53 players, and there were some notable decisions along the way.

Cincinnati kept two quarterbacks in Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco, giving the team an experienced backup behind its franchise quarterback. The Bengals also kept three running backs: Chase Brown, Samaje Perine and rookie Tahj Brooks.

The biggest strength of the roster may be the offensive skill position groups. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins remain the foundation at receiver, while Cincinnati kept four additional wideouts in Colbie Young, Andrei Iosivas, Dohnte Meyers and Ke'Shawn Williams.

The Bengals also kept five tight ends, with Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Tanner Hudson, Erick All Jr. and seventh-round pick Jack Endries making the roster. Endries’ performance was strong enough that Cincinnati decided not to risk losing him on waivers.

There were some difficult cuts. Charlie Jones, who had been an important return specialist, was released despite his production in that role. Veteran quarterback Josh Johnson was also let go. Defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson and defensive end Isaiah Foskey were among the other notable players who failed to make the 53.

The Bengals' decisions show just how much competition there was throughout camp. Cincinnati finished the preseason 3-0, and several players who performed well still couldn't find a spot because of the depth at their positions.

For now, this is the roster Cincinnati will take into the regular season. But it won't necessarily remain unchanged. Waiver claims, practice-squad additions and potential injuries will continue to shape the team over the next several days.

The cuts are finished. Now the real test begins.

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On today's show, we break down what we have learned so far at Bengals training camp and react to Marvin Lewis' comments on Bengals ownership. Plus, Eugenio Suarez and TJ Friedl clear waivers and will remain with the Reds through the rest of the season.

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The Cincinnati Bengals close out the preseason tonight against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET on CBS. Cincinnati enters the finale 2-0, but the most important number heading into tonight isn't the record — it's 53. With final roster cuts due Sunday evening, this is the last meaningful audition for players fighting to keep their NFL dreams alive.

The Bengals will not play their starters, meaning Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and the rest of Cincinnati's established core will watch from the sideline. That's especially sensible after Chase experienced a left-knee hyperextension at practice earlier this week. Chase said he wasn't concerned about the injury, but the Bengals are taking no chances with their biggest offensive weapon this close to the regular season. 

Instead, the spotlight shifts to the depth chart. One of the biggest competitions is at swing tackle, where Jalen Rivers and Javon Foster have opportunities following the release of veteran Cody Ford. Both received significant playing time in last week's win over Chicago, and another strong performance could influence Cincinnati's final decisions. 

The running-back battle also deserves attention, particularly Tahj Brooks, who has shown improved blocking and receiving despite not producing much on the ground during the first two preseason games. Wide receivers and defensive linemen will likewise have players trying to turn tonight's snaps into a roster spot. 

For Cincinnati, this isn't really about winning another preseason game. It's about evaluation, depth and avoiding injuries. For dozens of players, however, it may be the biggest game they've played all year. With the 53-man deadline approaching, every special-teams rep, third-down conversion, tackle and mistake could matter.

So while Burrow-to-Chase won't be the attraction tonight, there is plenty at stake. The preseason finale is where the Bengals' roster starts taking its final shape.

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