“Good for us,” Flacco said via the Bengals official website. Not having to face one of the league’s best defensive ends twice during the season could be beneficial for Cincinnati, but there are those who believe the team cannot afford to relax because of this situation.

“It doesn’t matter. You still have to go win on Sundays. Congrats to Myles. That’s how I feel. We still have to go win,” Orland Brown Jr. said. “(Verse) is a young player who is also a great player. Very talented. I have a lot of respect for his game.”

Amarius Mims will also be tasked with protecting his quarterback, whether that ends up being Joe Flacco or Joe Burrow. The addition of Jared Verse to the Browns as part of that trade does not necessarily weaken the Rams’ roster, as Los Angeles still boasts plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. “It’s the hardest division anywhere, whether it’s Myles Garrett or Jared Verse,“ he said.

Garrett takes his talents to the NFC West

The Los Angeles Rams have completely shaken up the NFL with a true blockbuster trade. Myles Garrett’s arrival to Rams instantly makes their defense terrifying, especially considering he is coming off a legendary 2025 campaign.

Garrett was named the Defensive Player of the Year after anchoring the league with a historic NFL record of 23 sacks, while also racking up 17 tackles for loss, 31 quarterback hits, and 4 forced fumbles.

When do the Bengals and Browns face off?

The Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns are scheduled to face each other twice during the 2026 NFL regular season. Their first division rivalry matchup will take place in Week 13 on Sunday, December 6, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.

They will wrap up their season series in Week 18 on Sunday, January 10, 2027 (or Saturday, January 9, depending on NFL flexing), when the Bengals host the Browns at Paycor Stadium.

Murphy spoke to Laurel Pfahler of the Dayton Daily News about the declined fifth-year option, and said “I knew it was a possibility. Duke (Tobin) and everyone upstairs, they’ve been pretty transparent on ‘we spent a lot of money this offseason.’ So, it does make sense… No hard feelings.”

The Bengals would’ve had to pay Murphy $14.475 million if they picked up that fifth-year option. Murphy was a first-round pick for the Bengals in 2023. In 2025, Murphy had arguably the best season of his career, yet the team still decided against keeping him under the current contract after this season.

Murphy could still earn a big bag if 2026 goes well

In 2025, Murphy had career-highs in sacks (5.5), QB hits (10), and tackles for loss (six) while playing all 17 games for the Bengals. Now, 2026 will be a contract year for Murphy, and if his progression keeps going well, he could get a bag from other teams if the Bengals let him leave.

This year, he will share the field with newly-arrived Dexter Lawrence and could bring even more opportunities for him as Lawrence commands too much attention from opposing offensive lines.

The Bengals defense need good play from Murphy

Even if he is not staying after this year, Murphy will have to play greatly as he seeks a contract elsewhere. That goes well for the Bengals, who are praying on this defense to finally step up to the plate.

The Bengals were the 31st-ranked total defense in the NFL last season. That caused them to miss the playoffs for the third-year straight. That’s why the Bengals have spent so much on defense this offseason.

According to Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated, Brian Parker might play an immediate role for the Bengals. “The Cincinnati Bengals have needed improvements across the interior of their offensive line for years. [Parker] plays the center position with impressive technique and solid grip strength. Parker should make a successful transition from offensive tackle to interior blocker,” Melo said.

The Bengals will return all five starters from last season. This is the first time Joe Burrow will have a known O-line from the get-go. Still, Parker could slide right in as a center or guard. It’s likely that he plays a depth role at the beginning, but with hopes of getting starting reps along the season.

The Bengals O-line is looking good

Sophomore guard Dylan Fairchild was great during his rookie season. Dalton Risner was solid at right guard, and veteran Ted Karras is a rock-solid center. However, Karras might leave next year, so Parker being a good center already could definitely help his stock.

The Bengals must transform one of their most glaring weaknesses into one of their biggest strengths, and it all looks like they are doing it. At least on paper, the O-line should be much improved in the 2026 NFL season.

The Bengals have addressed the other huge weakness on the roster

More than the O-line, the real problem with the Bengals was the defense. They acquired elite DT Dexter Lawrence, also DE Cashius Howell, and DT Jonathan Allen. In terms of free agency, they signed safety Bryan Cook, DE Boye Mafe, safety Kyle Dugger, and cornerback Jalen Taylor.

Al Golden is a highly respected defensive coordinator thanks to his technical knowledge and player development, though his 2025 debut campaign in the NFL was rough. He has been given the benefit of the doubt this season, but things must improve massively with all these new talent.

Burrow appeared in a press conference on Wednesday, and he was asked if he’s targeting any individual accolades. It seems like the quarterback already had that question in mind as he was quick to reply. “I’m pretty close to the Bengals franchise touchdown record. I’m like 50 or something away, so that would be nice to break this year,” Burrow said.

And Burrow is actually closer, he is not 50 TD passes away, he is 47 away to tie Andy Dalton’s record with the Bengals. However, tying it this year is a tough feat. For instance, his personal record is 43 touchdown passes in a single season. He would have to break his own record, but he is not afraid of challenges.

Burrow wants all the glory with the Cincinnati Bengals

While it might seem selfish to focus on individual accolades, the fact is that if Burrow throws for 47+ touchdowns in a year, the Bengals will clearly benefit. Also, that was an isolated question, Burrow also said the Bengals have “everything (they) need” to contend for a Super Bowl once again.

Burrow has had a Super Bowl experience before, as they lost in 2021 to the Los Angeles Rams. However, he is more confident in the roster the team has now. In fact, Burrow said this is the best roster the Bengals have had since he is in the NFL. Major words from a major player with major expectations.

The Bengals have a big opportunity to make a splash

Not only is the roster looking pretty solid, with a high-octane offense and a revamped defense, but the AFC North is there for the taking. The Baltimore Ravens are entering a new era with rookie head coach Jesse Minter and new offensive coordinator as well.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a new chapter with Mike McCarthy as HC, on Aaron Rodgers’ farewell season. Finally, the Browns are also getting a new HC in rookie Todd Monken, and don’t even have established a QB1, not to mention they lost defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. The Bengals should run away with the division.

In recent weeks, the Bengals made several signings that shocked the NFL, including high-profile additions like Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen. Following these moves, Burrow has hinted that Cincinnati won’t make another big move this offseason.

“They’re going to keep getting great players to come play for the Bengals, and when they do that, then it’s my job and Zac (Taylor)’s job and the leaders of this team to bring the locker room together and then go execute on the field,” Burrow said, via the team’s official website. “We have everything we need.

“We made a big trade for a big-time player. Signed a free agent top safety on the market, and other additions. We’ll see how the rookies end up. … But first impressions, we’ve got guys that care about the game, care about their job, and want to be great. When you have young guys like that and veterans like we do, it’s a recipe for success.”

The Bengals have a solid roster to compete for the AFC North

The AFC North is currently one of the most intriguing divisions in the NFL. The Ravens, Steelers, and Browns will all have new head coaches, and the Bengals must take full advantage of this transition period.

Zac Taylor has faced criticism for failing to guide the Bengals back to success after their impressive run in 2021. Now that the other three teams have changed head coaches, this is his chance to leverage his deep familiarity with the AFC North and dominate the division.

However, one vital question mark remains: Joe Burrow’s health. The quarterback has historically lacked a dominant offensive line to keep him safe, a factor that is critical to sustaining a reliable offense led by an elite signal-caller.

According to Jordan Schultz, the Bengals will have their first seven games of the season all kicking off at 1:00 pm ET. They’r not even playing in the late window. Per Schultz, “No primetime love from the NFL until Weeks 10 and 11 with the Steelers on SNF and then the Commanders on MNF.“

Last year, the Bengals first primetime game was in Week 4, with another in Week 7, followed by Week 13 and Week 16 stand-alone games as well. However, this time around they’ll have to wait until late in the season.

This might not play in Bengals’ favor

The Bengals are usually slow starters, so that might be the reasoning for the NFL to schedule the Bengals’ primetime games until late in the season. However, as blockbuster as he is, Burrow is injury prone, so they are also risking that Burrow is not even there at that point in the season.

Burrow only played eight games in 2025. In fact, he’s only played 17 games once in his career. Therefore, it’s complicated to predict whether he will be healthy or not for the time where the primetime games arrive.

The Bengals face a lot of pressure this season

Having Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, among many other top-tier players makes it unacceptable to miss the playoffs. However, that’s what the Bengals have done more times than other.

Hence, head coach Zac Taylor is under immense pressure. If they can’t make it into the playoffs, he is likely to get fired sooner rather than later. With a heavy offseason, the Bengals should be poised for success.

“I think I would be surprised, but prepared for it, if that’s what they choose to do to us for the fifth straight year,” Zac Taylor said while awaiting the release of the schedule on Thursday. It is clear that the coach wants to bring this game to Cincinnati this season.

On November 25, 2025, during Thanksgiving, the Bengals managed to secure a 32-14 victory at M&T Bank Stadium, snapping a three-game losing streak in primetime against the Ravens. Will the league finally grant them a divisional classic in 2026 at The Jungle?

Bengals look for a revamped and healthy season

Bengals finished the 2025-26 season with a disappointing 6–11 record. A major factor in this outcome was once again the health of Joe Burrow, who missed a significant portion of the season due to a severe Grade 3 turf toe injury and ligament damage suffered in Week 2, which ultimately required surgery.

Heading into the 2026 season, Burrow’s primary focus is on durability and staying on the field, especially after a grueling stretch of recent setbacks that include a torn wrist ligament in 2023 and a strained calf that hampered his early performance that same year.

Confirmed opponents for the Bengals in 2026

After a disappointing season, all efforts are focused on turning things around immediately. Although the exact dates are still unknown, the Cincinnati Bengals already know their opponents, and their trips away from Paycor Stadium look promising for what lies ahead.

The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in Michael Pittman, but were very interested in landing Makai Lemon in the draft, before being railroaded by the Eagles. Hence, when Hopkins spoke about joining an AFC North, they could’ve been the answer.

In an express interview with Sports Illustrated, Hopkins was asked about which quarterback he would want to play next. “Joe Burrow,” Hopkins said. “I think Joe is one of the best, I love his game, his toughness. He took his team to a Super Bowl early in his career, and I feel like he can get back there with a little bit of help.”

Hopkins would play a tertiary role on the Bengals

While Hopkins may want to play with Burrow, he wouldn’t be much of a protagonist. The fact is Burrow’s first two options will always be Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Hopkins would serve as a situational weapon for third downs, or in the end zone, where he can still be a highly-productive player.

Burrow and Hopkins played great together in the latest Fanatics Flag Football event. They got a couple of highlights in that game, so there is a connection already. However, the Bengals don’t see WRs as a priority, they have the position settled.

Hopkins options are slim

Once arguably the best wideout in the NFL, Hopkins is 33 years old and racked up only 330 yards on 22 catches for the Ravens in 2025. While he will be a cheap option, he is also looking for a Super Bowl-ready team, and those teams might not prioritize getting Hopkins.

Hence, not many teams are rushing to get D-Hop on their roster. A return to the Ravens now seems unlikely, as the team drafted both Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt. The Pittsburgh Steelers probably didn’t like D-Hop flirting with the Bengals either. Hence, it remains to be seen where he’ll end up.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, “it’s believed that the failed Maxx Crosby trade was a significant factor in getting the deal done early. As one source put it, both teams were concerned about Lawrence passing a physical. Pre-Crosby, that would have been less of a concern.”

For instance, this trade could’ve been similar to the AJ Brown trade in the 2022 Draft. However, the fear of not passing the physical test was bigger than the opportunity to get the most out of the trade.

The Bengals made the right move

Not only were the Bengals needing a guy like Dexter Lawrence on defense, but there were no players that are such a guaranteed force in defense like Lawrence. Hence, this was the best-case scenario for them.

Contrary to the Crosby situation, where the Ravens pivoted to Trey Hendrickson, there was no plan B for the Bengals. If they didn’t land Lawrence, they would’ve likely used their 10th pick and roll the dice on a rookie. Last season, their first pick was DE Shemar Stewart, and that ended up being a mess from the get-go.

The NY Giants still got a good return

The Giants used the 10th pick given by the Bengals to selece Francis Mauigoa, who could perfectly be a rock solid left tackle for the team, barring any injury setbacks. Mauigoa has a disc injury, but the Giants were comfortably fine picking him either way.

For the first time in almost 40 years, the Cincinnati Bengals are without a first-round pick in the NFL Draft, 37 years to be precise. After a one-for-one swap of the Giants’ Dexter Lawrence for the Bengals No. 10 overall pick, Cincinnati is now in possession of a three-time Pro Bowler.

The Bengals trust in a resurgence from Lawrence after a disappointing 2025 season with New York. Perhaps a change of scenery and conference helps the defensive tackle return to being a defensive threat.

A rare situation for the Bengals

Being without a first-round pick should come as a weird sight for Bengals fans. The Cincinnati franchise has had a Round 1 pick in every draft since 1989, according to Pro Football Reference.

A large portion of the Bengals first round picks, except Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, have been swing and misses. Now, the franchise will be without a decision to make on Day 1 of the 2026 Draft, barring a trade.

Cincinnati will make its first selection at No. 41 in the second round. The team has found some success in recent second rounds, such as the 2022 Draft. That year, the Bengals selected Tee Higgins at No. 33, and he signed a four-year, $115 million extension with the team in March 2025.

What are the Bengals draft picks?

The Bengals may be among the teams without a first-round pick in 2026, but they still have seven selections to make in the 2026 Draft:

However, it’s the first round the one that matters the most. All top-tier talent is usually gone after the first 32 picks. This year, though, there are six teams that have no first-round picks. Each time will have different picks but the same time to select in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, and Cincinnati Bengals have no first round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Conversely, this means there are teams with multiple first-round picks.

Why do these teams have no first-round picks?

The Jaguars traded their 2026 first-rounder to the Cleveland Browns in a 2025 draft deal to move up to pick Travis Hunter. The Falcons traded their pick to the Los Angeles Rams as part of a package for a 2025 first-round used in OLB James Pearce Jr.

The Packers traded away their pick as a part of the Micah Parsons deal. The Colts traded their first-rounder to acquire Sauce Gardner. As for the Broncos, their first pick was traded to the Dolphins for WR Jaylen Waddle. Lastly, the Bengals traded their 10th overall pick to the Giants to acquire Dexter Lawrence.

Can these teams still have something to say?

Not having picks doesn’t mean that these six teams won’t play a part. It’s been heavily rumored that the 2026 NFL Draft will feature plenty of trades. Hence, don’t discard any of these teams jumping in and being a part of draft day if they see the opportunity to enhance their roster.