Flacco And Facts In Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s path is narrow, not closed. The team sits in the AFC North chase with a mid-October record that leaves little cushion. That makes every division tilt and AFC matchup carry extra weight for tiebreakers.
The Burrow Variable
Joe Burrow’s status sets the ceiling. He had surgery for a Grade 3 turf toe injury in mid-September, went to injured reserve, and has been given a multi-month recovery window. That is the biggest single factor in how high the offense can climb in November and December.
What that means on the field: the staff must keep the offense on schedule with quick game concepts, strong protection rules, and a reliable run-pass blend until Burrow is truly ready. If he returns late in the year, the goal is to arrive in contention with a scheme he can step into without a reset.
Enter Joe Flacco
Cincinnati traded for Joe Flacco in early October and named him the starter. The move was about a steady veteran who can run a full call sheet, access intermediate throws, and keep the ship directional while the roster gets healthier. Flacco’s debut came the following week. It was not perfect, yet it underscored why the staff values his experience.
How to win with him now: reduce negative plays, lean on early-down efficiency, and let his timing with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins grow weekly. That keeps third downs makeable and preserves field position for a defense that can close.
Defense as the Swing Vote
Trey Hendrickson’s availability is pivotal. He missed the recent Steelers game, and the team is optimistic about a near-term return. Cincinnati’s pass rush drives the coverage structure, so Hendrickson’s snaps directly correlate with takeaway chances for a young secondary.
Logan Wilson remains the on-field processor. When the front creates pressure and Wilson cleans up at the second level, Cincinnati’s defense produces the short fields an interim offense needs. Keeping the pass rush intact and the secondary healthy is essential in every late-season AFC matchup.
The AFC North Gauntlet
The division is a weekly stress test. Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland all profile as defense-forward groups that shorten games. That elevates the importance of division wins and AFC record for wild-card tiebreakers. The formula is simple even if the execution is not. Win the North games, split against top non-division AFC teams, and avoid slips against sub-.500 opponents.
What “In” Probably Looks Like
History says 10 wins is the safer target, with 9 leaving Cincinnati at the mercy of tiebreakers. The practical version of that target includes:
Banking wins in winnable home dates
Going at least even against the Ravens, Steelers, and Browns the rest of the way
Winning conference coin-flips that decide head-to-head and common-opponent rows in the tiebreaker table
Who Must Carry The Load
Joe Flacco to keep the offense on schedule, protect the ball, and hit shot plays created by play-action and Chase’s gravity.
Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to win isolation routes and finish red zone trips. Their production flips game scripts.
Trey Hendrickson and the rush group to force hurried throws that feed turnovers. A healthy Hendrickson changes the math.
Evan McPherson to convert the tight margins that define December football. A team in close games needs a closer.
The Clean-Sheet Checklist
Positive early downs with quick game and the run.
Win the hidden yardage battle with special teams and penalties.
Stay plus in turnover margin.
Manage health snaps for returning stars, rather than rushing timelines.
Treat every AFC game like a two-for-one because of tiebreakers.
Bottom Line
The Bengals still control enough of the equation to reach January. The defense needs Hendrickson back in the fold. Flacco must be efficient. The receivers must tilt coverage. If that happens, Cincinnati gives Burrow a chance to matter late. The facts on the ground are tough but not terminal, and the route is clear.