With the Bengals' playoff hopes all but gone and Trey Hendrickson out, focus shifts to the future. Meanwhile, the Reds miss out on a Kyle Schwarber reunion, major college programs opt out of Bowl Season, and Ben predicts a historic Heisman trophy for the Indiana Hoosiers.

The Bengals are mathematically alive (barely), Redsfest has a new January date, and the Crosstown Shootout returns to the Cintas Center where UC faces a 24-year curse. Plus, we say a final goodbye to a beloved local broadcasting engineer.

A Thanksgiving miracle or a risky return? All signs point to Joe Burrow starting against Baltimore this Thursday, but with the playoffs largely out of reach, is it the right move? We break down the QB drama, recap a heartbreaking weekend for Cincinnati sports fans (from UC to FC Cincy), and preview the massive showdown between Ohio State and Michigan in Ann Arbor.

The Key for the week of November 17 looks at a rough turn for the Bengals, a spotlight moment for UC, and a high-stakes showdown for FC Cincinnati. The Bengals lost control of their season after another tough performance and growing frustration on the field. UC prepares for Big Noon Kickoff in Clifton with national attention on the Bearcats as they try to stay alive in the Big 12 race. FC Cincinnati hosts Leo Messi and Miami in a win or go home match that promises intensity and drama. Ben also reflects on the final edition of the Farmers’ Almanac and the end of a two-century run.

Joe Burrow is back in pads, but is it worth risking the franchise quarterback if the Bengals' division hopes are fading? Ben weighs in on QB1's potential Thanksgiving return.

Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati is laser-focused on their next playoff test: Leo Messi and Miami. After dumping Columbus, the Orange and Blue host their superstar rival on November 23.

And don't sleep on the UC Bearcats. With a huge Senior Day game against BYU looming, Cincinnati is surprisingly in the hunt for the Big XII title and a potential College Football Playoff spot.

Plus, get "Ben’s Best Bet" on a Heisman Trophy dark horse who might just steal the award.

A tough week for Cincinnati sports fans as the Bengals’ season all but ends, FC Cincinnati faces elimination, and the Dodgers’ high-priced roster proves money talks. Ben breaks down the heartbreak, highlights, and odds heading into next season across the NFL, MLS, and NBA.

The Bengals’ defensive woes highlight a tough reality as Lou Anarumo thrives in Indy. Meanwhile, Brian Kelly’s $54 million exit adds drama to college football, the Cyclones return with fan-favorite promos, and FC Cincinnati eyes redemption in a high-stakes “Hell Is Real” playoff clash. It’s a week full of storylines, rivalries, and bets worth watching.

From unexpected quarterback heroics to playoff rematches and October baseball dominance, this week in sports delivered plenty of drama. Veteran quarterbacks turned back the clock, FC Cincinnati braces for a heated “Hell is Real” playoff showdown, and the Dodgers look nearly unstoppable on their march toward another title. Plus, Ben’s Best Bet gives you the smart play for the World Series.

Cincinnati’s fall sports storylines are heating up. The Reds are clinging to a wild card chance after capitalizing on a Mets slide, with a pivotal home series against the Pirates before a daunting road trip to Milwaukee. The Bengals stumbled in Minnesota but remain tied atop the AFC North heading into a Monday night matchup with Denver. FC Cincinnati has already secured a playoff spot and remains in the hunt for the Supporters Shield with just a few matches left. Beyond the Queen City, all eyes turn to Bethpage Black as the Ryder Cup returns, with Team USA looking to reclaim momentum against Europe.