To position themselves among the teams contending at least for a postseason spot, the Bengals know they need to surround Joe Burrow as effectively as possible. Now fully recovered from his serious injury, he will once again be the primary leader of Zac Taylor’s team.

In recent statements to the press, Chase made it clear that he will do everything in his power to help his teammates, while emphasizing that the franchise already knows what it takes to be a contender.

“Yeah. I mean, everybody pretty much knows what we need,” the WR said, via Russell Heltman of SI.com. “I’ve said it out in the media. All I gotta do is sit back and watch. I can’t control that, so all I gotta do is control my production.

“I mean, at the end of the day, I’m just stating my opinion on what I think we need. So, you know, I sit back, let the organization do what they do, and I just gotta let my play do the rest.”

A strong performance that fell short

Ja’Marr Chase put together a stellar individual campaign in 2025, further cementing his status as one of the league’s premier wideouts. Throughout the season, he served as the engine of the Bengals’ offense, hauling in 125 receptions for 1,412 yards and finding the end zone 8 times.

While his consistency was evident in his 11.3 average yards per catch, these impressive numbers unfortunately weren’t enough to propel Cincinnati into the postseason.

Despite Chase’s elite production and week-to-week dominance, the team ultimately fell short of a playoff berth, leaving his standout performance as a bittersweet highlight of a missed opportunity.

Every NFL season culminates in the most spectacular play: the receiving touchdown. These are the moments where athleticism meets precision, where legends are forged in the back corner of the end zone.

Only a select few elevated this skill to an art form, reaching statistical heights once thought impossible in a 16-game gauntlet. A benchmark of scoring mastery stood firm, representing the pinnacle of single-season aerial dominance.

From the rugged early days of the league to the high-flying offenses of the modern era, the evolution of the wide receiver position has been marked by this relentless pursuit of the goal line. This is a tale of record-setters.

Randy Moss (23 Rec. TDs) | Season: 2007

There are records that feel unreachable, and then there is Randy Moss‘ mark of 23 receiving touchdowns in 2007. It wasn’t just a number; it was the zenith of a perfect season for the New England Patriots.

Following a tumultuous stint in Oakland, his arrival in Foxborough felt like an explosion of pent-up talent. Paired with a red-hot Tom Brady (who also broke the passing touchdown record that year), he became an unstoppable aerial force.

Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall with speed that defied physics, his 23-touchdown season was an exhibition of skill in winning jump balls, especially in the red zone. It was a visual phenomenon that combined untamed athleticism with an instant, telepathic chemistry with his quarterback.

The Brady-Moss duo not only made history with an undefeated regular season (16-0) but redefined what was possible in a modern offense. No one, to this day, has been able to eclipse this feat of 23 trips to the promised land.

Jerry Rice (22 Rec. TDs) | Season: 1987

The debate about the greatest receiver of all time cannot omit the astounding factor of Jerry Rice‘s 1987 season. The great Rice not only reached an impressive 22 receiving touchdowns, but he did so in only 12 games, due to a players’ strike that shortened the schedule.

Think about it: he scored at a pace of 1.83 touchdowns per game. That is a breathtaking efficiency record. While his modern competitors have the benefit of a 16- or 17-game calendar, his prowess was an exercise in concentrated focus and intensity.

Under the legendary Bill Walsh and catching passes from Joe Montana for the San Francisco 49ers, he wasn’t just the best on the field; he was on a different plane of performance than everyone else. His 1987 was a masterclass in how to maximize every opportunity, setting a precedent for excellence that stood for 20 years until Moss finally surpassed him.

Davante Adams (18 Rec. TDs) | Season: 2020

In a year of global chaos, Davante Adams brought order and brilliance to the Green Bay Packers‘ offense. His 2020 season, featuring 18 receiving touchdowns despite him playing only 14 games, was a masterpiece in the art of precision and route running.

He didn’t rely purely on explosive speed; his game was built on detail, subtle deception, and an almost telepathic connection with Aaron Rodgers, the MVP Quarterback that season. He rose as the epitome of the modern receiver who dominates the area near the goal line. There wasn’t a single cornerback in the league who could anticipate his next move.

The fact that he matched the 18-score mark in fewer games than his contemporaries at that level speaks to an unparalleled ability to score when his team needed it most. His 2020 solidified his status as one of the most feared Red Zone threats.

Sterling Sharpe (18 Rec. TDs) | Season: 1994

Before Favre, Rodgers and Adams became synonymous with success in Green Bay, the name that terrified defenses was Sterling Sharpe. His 1994 season, where he amassed 18 receiving touchdowns, was not just a statistical peak; it was a testament to a generational talent whose career was tragically cut short.

He was a complete, physically dominant receiver for the Packers. His 1994 year, which was also the last of his career due to a severe neck injury, demonstrated total command of the passing game. Alongside Brett Favre, he formed a combination that seemed destined to break more records.

Watching such a brilliant player reach 18 touchdowns and then abruptly disappear from the field gives his accomplishment a nostalgic and dramatic quality. His 18 scores feel like the end of an unfinished masterpiece.

Mark Clayton (18 Rec. TDs) | Season: 1984

To understand Mark Clayton‘s 1984 season, you have to understand the phenomenon of Dan Marino and his Miami Dolphins offense. Before the record-breaking explosion of the 90s, it was the Marks Brothers (Clayton and Mark Duper) who truly opened up the field.

Clayton, with 18 scores, was the primary beneficiary of Marino’s record-setting passing touchdown season. He wasn’t the biggest receiver, but his speed, his ability to stretch the field vertically, and his precise route-running made him the threat you couldn’t take your eyes off of.

In 1984, he showed that the NFL was evolving toward the passing game, and he was one of its most effective pioneers. His success underscores how the chemistry between an elite quarterback and a clever receiver can rewrite the record books.

Ja’Marr Chase (17 Rec. TDs) | Season: 2024

Ja’Marr Chase‘s 2024 season with the Cincinnati Bengals wasn’t just about reaching 17 receiving touchdowns; it was about establishing a new order. With 17 scores, the young marvel joined the elite, but his story has a unique journalistic twist: he achieved the Receiving Triple Crown (leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns) in the same campaign.

At 24 years old, he proved to be an all-situation perimeter weapon: capable of scoring a 70-yard touchdown or being the key target in the red zone. His performance was a total justification of his status as one of the league’s brightest stars, surpassing the 1,700 receiving yards barrier in addition to his 17 scores. He is proof that the generational talent of the new era is ready to rewrite history.

Rob Gronkowski (17 Rec. TDs) | Season: 2011

Usually, this list is dominated by wide receivers, which makes Rob Gronkowski‘s inclusion a narrative turning point. In 2011, “Gronk” was not just the best tight end in the league; he was a dominant force who tallied 17 receiving touchdowns, a record for his position that feels unbreakable.

His season was a physical anomaly. With the speed of a receiver but the size of an offensive lineman, he was simply too big for cornerbacks to cover and too fast for linebackers to track. His ability to leap over the defense in the heart of the red zone became an unavoidable, signature play for the Patriots.

His mark is not just a tight end record; it’s a testament to his overall offensive impact, proving that in modern football, the path to the end zone doesn’t have to go only through the wideouts.

Randy Moss (17 Rec. TDs) | Season: 2003

By 2003, the league already knew what Randy Moss represented, but that didn’t stop him from tearing up defenses once again. His 17-touchdown season with the Minnesota Vikings marked his third year with 17 or more scores (along with 1998 and 2007, which you already covered), a testament to an unparalleled, elite consistency.

In 2003, he not only showcased his terrifying speed but also a maturity in his game that made him even more dangerous. His scores weren’t just spectacular plays; they were proof that he could dominate every facet of the game, from short routes to deep passes.

In a season where he proved to be the single offensive threat the Vikings clung to, these 17 receptions solidified his reputation not just as a playmaker, but as the most singular scoring force of his generation.

Randy Moss (17 Rec. TDs) | Season: 1998

The American football world was barely catching up to the legend of Randy Moss when he burst into the league with 17 receiving touchdowns as a rookie for the Minnesota Vikings in 1998. This feat, unmatched for a rookie, was an explosive declaration of intent.

Wearing the famous 84 jersey, he brought a whole new dimension to the game. His nickname, “The Freak”, was born from his ability to turn mediocre passes into scores thanks to his leap and secure hands.

His 1998 was not just a record-breaking season; it was a cultural event where every game seemed to feature a new highlight reel that defied comprehension. He is the epitome of an instant impact that redefined what is expected of a player newly arrived in the NFL.

Cris Carter (17 Rec. TDs) | Season: 1995

Cris Carter‘s 17-touchdown season in 1995, also with the Minnesota Vikings, is a study in technical perfection. While Moss was the raw force of nature, he was the surgeon. In a year where he set a personal scoring best, he demonstrated that intelligence and precision often trumped pure speed.

He was famous for his creed: “All I ever do is catch touchdowns“. And 1995 was his magnum opus. His ability to find the “soft spots” in the red zone defense, and his body control to secure every contested ball, made him the trusted target for his quarterback. His season was a masterclass in how anticipation, positioning, and unusually sure hands translate directly into points on the scoreboard.

Carl Pickens (17 Rec. TDs) | Season: 1995

While Carter was grabbing headlines in Minnesota, Carl Pickens was living out his own legendary year in Cincinnati. In a display of pure offensive power, Pickens also reached 17 receiving touchdowns in 1995 with the Bengals.

This coincidence with Carter underscores the offensive explosion experienced throughout the league that season. He was known for his physical play and his ability to win one-on-one battles on the perimeter. His 1995 was proof that he could be the central engine of the offense.

With him at his peak, the Bengals had a receiver with a blend of athleticism and tenacity, capable of making big plays and securing crucial scores near the goal line. His achievement, though sometimes overshadowed by other names, represents one of the greatest seasons in the franchise’s history.

Jerry Rice (17 Rec. TDs) | Season: 1989

The year 1989 was foundational for Jerry Rice. While his 1987 (22 TDs) was spectacular, his 17-touchdown season in 1989 cemented his status as the most dominant receiver of the decade. This achievement, which coincided with a championship season, showed that elite performance was his status quo.

At this point in his career, he was the definition of consistency. His 17 scores were not only crucial, but they occurred on the San Francisco 49ers‘ path to their fourth Super Bowl. He proved to be the most reliable offensive weapon on a star-studded team.

It wasn’t just the quantity; it was the quality, the timing, and the pressure under which he delivered every touchdown. His 1989 is an example of how a superstar consistently produces at the highest level when team success is on the line.

Bill Groman (17 Rec. TDs) | Season: 1961

The name Bill Groman might not resonate with the same familiarity as NFL icons, but his season of 17 receiving touchdowns in 1961 is a solid-gold achievement. What makes his mark unique is that it was accomplished in the American Football League, the NFL’s rival league at the time, playing for the Houston Oilers.

Groman, a receiver who combined power with surprising speed, dominated the passing game during an era when the AFL was establishing itself as a bold entity, prone to more spectacular offenses.

His 1961 record of 17 touchdowns was a declaration that the AFL could not only compete but also produce world-class playmakers. His achievement is a historical bridge, showing that the ability to score explosively was not confined solely to the NFL.

Elroy Hirsch (17 Rec. TDs) | Season: 1951

Elroy Hirsch‘s 1951 season is one of the most legendary in the early NFL, an exhibition of athletic versatility that culminated in 17 receiving touchdowns. Playing for the Los Angeles Rams, he was not just a receiver; he was a star who transitioned from halfback, redefining what an end (the receiver position of the era) could achieve.

His nickname, “Crazylegs”, originated from his unusual stride that made him look off-balance, yet he was incredibly difficult to tackle. In 1951, he was the centerpiece of the Rams’ offense known as the “Bomb” (the first modern vertical attack).

His 17 scores, which also included a then-record 1,495 receiving yards, are proof that even when the NFL was still tactically developing, pure scoring talent could dominate. His season is a landmark in the game’s transition to an aerial focus.

Don Hutson (17 Rec. TDs) | Season: 1942

If the “touchdown” is art, then Don Hutson was the Renaissance master. His season of 17 receiving touchdowns in 1942 is, statistically, the most dominant performance in NFL history, considering the context of the era. Playing for the Green Bay Packers, he surpassed the previous record by an astounding 11 scores.

In 1942, American football was primarily a ground sport. Passing formations were rudimentary, and defenses were physical. He was so superior to his contemporaries that he is credited with forcing the NFL to invent secondary defensive formations just to try, unsuccessfully, to cover him.

His 17-touchdown season, achieved in a mere 11-game schedule, has the ring of legend: it is a record of scoring dominance by percentage that will likely never be matched in the modern game. He didn’t just set the record; he invented the modern receiver position.

However, Chase was not successful, and insider Adam Schefter provided more details about what happened. “Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA, has upheld the one-game suspension of Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase.”

At first, Chase denied spitting on Ramsey, but when a video clearly showed his action, he refused to speak to the media. Now, he will have to accept the punishment and the money he will lose as a consequence.

How much money will Ja’Marr Chase lose after his suspension?

Ja’Marr Chase will lose $507,156 after the one-game suspension imposed by the NFL. Of that amount, $448,333 represents his weekly salary, and he will also lose a per-game bonus of $58,823.

Why did Ja’Marr Chase get suspended?

Ja’Marr Chase got suspended for spitting in Jalen Ramsey’s face. During several moments of the game, the wide receiver and the safety got into various arguments, and the most intense one ended with Chase spitting and Ramsey responding by throwing a punch. Interestingly, Jalen was ejected, and Ja’Marr was not.

Now, Chase is officially out for the Week 12 game between the Bengals and the New England Patriots. Cincinnati’s 2025 season has been terrible, with a 3-7 record, far from the playoffs, and with Joe Burrow injured.

“The NFL is suspending Bengals star WR Ja’Marr Chase one game for unsportsmanlike conduct after he was caught on video spitting on Steelers DB Jalen Ramsey. Barring a successful appeal, Chase is now set to miss Sunday’s game vs. the Patriots,” reported Tom Pelissero on X.

With Chase unavailable, the Bengals must look for other options on the depth chart, including Mitchell Tinsley, Charlie Jones, and Andrei Iosivas. These players must step up next week to help Tee Higgins and alleviate some of the pressure he faces when catching passes.

Suspension to cost Chase half a million dollars

Not only must the Bengals regroup for the game against the Patriots without Chase, but the receiver will also forfeit an entire week’s salary. This is standard procedure: once a player is suspended, the franchise stops payment until he can officially return to the active roster to play.

“Ja’Marr Chase’s one-game suspension will cost him his a weekly paycheck of $448,333 along with a $58,823 per game active bonus he now will be forfeiting,” reported Adam Schefter on X about the significant financial blow to Chase for spitting on Ramsey.

Ramsey had reacted strongly after being spat on by Chase, calling the Bengals player’s actions low. “It is [one of the most disrespectful things someone can do]. It’s what p—- do, quite honestly,” Ramsey said following the game.

According to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, Jalen Ramsey assures that Ja’Marr Chase spit on him, and that’s what prompted his reaction to punch the Bengals All-Pro receiver. However, Chase said on the locker room interviews that he didn’t spit on Ramsey, it’s a matter of their word pitted against each other. An up-close video of the altercation, however, does show a moment where Chase appears to spit on Ramsey just before punch is thrown.

It was a great game by the Steelers secondary, including Ramsey who had two tackles. The secondary only allowed 192 passing yards to the Bengals, that usually is a high-octane, proficient-scoring offense.

It was a frustrating outing for Ja’Marr Chase

Usually an unstoppable force, this was not a good game for Chase. He only caught three of 10 targets for 30 yards. Chase, weirdly, was a non-factor. Hence, the Bengals only scored 12 points in the game. The Steelers defense dominated and Chase got frustrated.

This is his third worst-mark of the season. Chase had only two catches for 26 yards in Week 1 and five catches for 23 yards in Week 4. This game also stops a run of five games with at least six catches and 91 or more receiving yards for Chase.

The Steelers needed this win badly

Just one month ago, the Steelers lost a shootout to the Bengals in primetime. Now, not only did they get the revenge on a divisional rival, but they pretty much shut down all of the Bengals offense, which is no easy feat.

Also, they now climb to a 6-4 record that keeps them atop of the AFC North. Winning the division guarantees the Steelers a home playoff game. Hence, it was a vital win to get as we enter the last stretch of the season.

“It’s a good question. It felt like I might not to be honest with you. So, it’s pretty special. You sure hope so. You hope you can come in here and play well. I think this is going to give us a lot of confidence. Hopefully, we can carry that over and use it to our advantage.”

Additionally, Flacco warned that, in this short time, he has realized the potential of the Bengals’ offense with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. They can fight for the AFC North. “It was a lot of fun. I love doing this. It’s a lot more fun when that clock hits zero and you’ve gotten the job done. Today, I got to see just the problems Ja’Marr and Tee create for defenses in general. I saw just how a defense has to treat those guys and, if you don’t treat them a certain way, they can hurt you. And if you do treat them a certain way, well, maybe we have some other guys that can get the job done. Those two guys are different.”

Did the Bengals beat the Steelers?

Yes. The Bengals beat the Steelers 33-31 at the start of Week 7. Now, with a 3-4 record, Cincinnati is alive after the massive trade with the Browns for Joe Flacco. Ja’Marr Chase spoke about his new quarterback, who helped him have a great night with 16 catches and 161 yards.

“It’s honestly good having him here for us. The organization made a big jump on him. We believed in him. We got him. So, he came in doing his thing and showing off for us. We knew we were close. This game showed what we’re really capable of. Show how prolific this offense really could be. This was supposed to happen. It feels good knowing this is exactly what we preach about all the time.”

Thanks to Flacco‘s heavy reliance on Chase during the victory over the Steelers, those 16 receptions became the most in a single game in Bengals team history, granting the star wide receiver a special place in the franchise’s record books.

Chase didn’t hold back after the game, where he racked up 161 yards on 23 targets from Flacco. Speaking highly of his quarterback, he told Cameron Wolfe: “The way he’s so poised in the huddle throughout the whole game. There’s not many QBs like that. He makes no facial expressions. That’s going to keep everybody calm.”

So far this season, Chase has 629 yards and 5 touchdowns. At this pace, and with Flacco leading the offense, it is highly probable he will once again surpass 1,500+ receiving yards, provided he stays healthy and plays most of the remaining games.

Historic Moment for Flacco with the Bengals

Through just two starts with the team, Flacco’s statistics, including over 550 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, zero interceptions, and 60+ completions at a completion rate over 65.0%, set a new NFL benchmark. According to Greg Harvey of OptaStats on X, no other player in league history has ever reached all those marks in their first two starts for a single franchise.

Following the victory, Bengals fans were heard chanting “Thank you Cleveland,” a message of gratitude to the Browns for trading Flacco. Flacco himself commented on the win over the Steelers: “I told Aaron after the game, I don’t think I’ve ever beat him.”

The Bengals star wide receiver was listed as questionable after missing practice time due to illness during the week, sparking speculation about his status for the Week 6 game. Still, Chase is officially active and will play against the Packers today.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network and Adam Schefter of ESPN had already anticipated the Bengals would count on their star wideout at Lambeau Field. An hour before kickoff, Tom Pelissero confirmed Chase’s status.

Joe Flacco might benefit from having Ja’Marr Chase vs. Packers

Counting on Chase is great news not only for Bengals fans and fantasy owners, but especially for Joe Flacco. The veteran quarterback, who was traded to Cincinnati this week, will make his first start in a Bengals uniform shortly after after leaving the Cleveland Browns.

To have a star weapon like Chase at his disposal could make things easier for the 40-year-old, who’s taking the helm of the Bengals offense with only a few practices under his belt.

Chase, Bengals weapons might help Flacco improve

Flacco is facing the challenging task of revitalizing a unit that has struggled since Joe Burrow got injured in Week 2, with Jake Browning leaving a lot to be desired as the Bengals’ starting quarterback during the LSU product’s absence.

The start of the 2025 NFL season hasn’t been easy for Flacco, as his poor performances for the Browns saw him get benched before getting traded. However, it’s safe to say that Cincinnati offers Flacco better weapons than the ones he had in Cleveland. With Chase in line to play today, the seasoned QB might notice that from his very first start.

This positive development was reported by Matt Zenitz on X: “Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who didn’t practice today and is listed as questionable on Cincinnati’s injury report, is expected to play vs. the Packers on Sunday, sources tell CBS Sports.”

While this isn’t the first time Flacco has become familiar with Chase—he’s certainly seen the star receiver play on film—he understands how capable Chase is and how much he can boost the offense. Although it’s unclear how much time Chase will be on the field, his presence is a major boost for the Bengals.

In recent declarations, it was revealed that Flacco’s family is excited about him playing for Cincinnati; he confessed that his children are “fascinated” by the idea of him throwing passes to Chase.

Flacco’s 2025 Stats

In his limited time with the Browns in 2025, Flacco recorded 815 passing yards on 93/160 completed passes, but only managed 2 touchdowns while suffering 6 interceptions, finishing his run in Cleveland with a difficult 1-3-0 record.

However, he brings sufficient experience to the Bengals, who possess a better defense and offense than the Browns. With Burrow sidelined, the team has struggled, and coming off a three-game losing streak, it is logical that they look to a veteran like Flacco to try and dig them out of the hole.

The Cincinnati Bengals are paying for their own football sins as once again, they didn’t provide quarterback Joe Burrow with protection, and now he is missing three months. Since Burrow went down, the Bengals are 0-3. Hence, they traded for NFL veteran Joe Flacco in hopes of keeping the season alive while Burrow heals. Superstar wide receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, opened up about the situation.

Without Burrow, the team has been outscored 113-37. With backup Jake Browning, the Bengals weren’t able to score. Chase now referred to Flacco as an “all-time great,” but he also sent a message to the team.

“I appreciate the organization trying to make this work. So we’ve got to make it work,” Chase said, via the Bengals’ website. “They just see that we’ve got a chance. Defense is doing a good enough job to help us out. Ultimately, we’ve got to have plays in space. That’s what they’ve seen. That’s what they wanted to keep going. They’ve just given us an opportunity to make more of those plays happen.”

The Bengals should have an explosing passing offense

Chase won the receiving triple crown last season, leading the NFL in receiving yards, receptions, and receiving touchdowns. This is just a last statement on how elite he is. However, the Bengals’ WR2 could be the first option in 90% of the league. Enters the scene, Tee Higgins.

The former Clemson receiver hasn’t had more than 56 receiving yards this year and that’s bad. He is incredibly talented and has had four out of his previous five seasons with 900 or more receiving yards. However, without Burrow, his usage suffers a lot. He hasn’t had a game of three or more catches all year.

Flacco is not elite, but he will sling it

One thing is for sure, Joe Flacco is not afraid to rip the ball. His arm remains as the one weapon he has, so Chase and Higgins should have a huge upside with him under center. Flacco will risk turnovers hoping for big plays but at this point, and with the receivers in hand, that might be just what the Bengals need to stay afloat.

Higgins will play as the long-route target as he can impose himself with his 6-foot-4 frame and speed. Chase is more of an all-rounder receiver, capable of doing it all and getting plenty of yards after catch. To compliment them, Flacco will have a dual-threat running back in Chase Brown. The Bengals should look better with him.

The frustration was palpable — things weren’t going according to plan. And players like Chase, highly competitive and constantly hungry for victory, are often the first to show their frustration in situations like this.

After the 28-3 loss to Denver was sealed, Taylor spoke to the media and, when asked about the incident with the wide receiver, delivered a clear message on the matter.

“Ja’Marr Chase, coming off a game like this, is one of my favorite players to deal with, quite frankly,” he said, “because he’s just competitive. He just wants to win, and it comes across as emotional, but that’s just a captain that works his tail off. All he wants to do is win the game. All he wants to do is affect the game, and oftentimes he feels like if, ‘I have the ball in my hand, I can do that,’ and I don’t disagree with him. And we’re always looking for ways to get him the ball.

“Obviously, sometimes for him, he can’t see what’s going on in the backfield and some of the challenges that face back there, but I love Ja’Marr. When I’m done coaching, he will be one of my all time favorites for the way that he has . . . become the total pro that you want leading your football team in competing in practice and competing in games, I can’t say enough about him. . . . It just comes from a place where ‘I want to help the team win, I can help the team win, help me, help the team win.’ And I love that about him.”

Burrow’s absence proves crucial

The Cincinnati Bengals’ Super Bowl aspirations have been completely derailed by Joe Burrow‘s absence, with the team looking offensively inept in back-to-back blowout losses.

Since their franchise quarterback went down with a severe toe injury, Cincinnati has plummeted, following up a humiliating 48-10 defeat to the Vikings with a dismal 28-3 stinker against the Broncos on Monday Night Football.

With backup Jake Browning struggling and the offense totaling less than 200 yards in each of those outings, the stunning decline proves just how irreplaceable the former No. 1 overall pick is to the team’s entire operation and playoff hopes.

Bengals upcoming challenges

The recent loss to the Broncos left the Bengals with a 2-2 record and in second place in the AFC North. These are the upcoming games they will face as they look to continue improving their performance in the weeks ahead.

• vs Detroit Lions, October 5
• @ Green Bay Packers, October 12
• vs Pittsburgh Steelers, October 16
• vs New York Jets, October 26
• vs Chicago Bears, November 2