Overview

• The Cincinnati Bengals, currently 5-4, face a challenging path to repeat their previous season's run to the division title, with their remaining schedule including rematches with Baltimore and Cleveland and two games against Pittsburgh.
• The Bengals' recent loss to the Houston Texans, led by rookie sensation C.J. Stroud, has added to their early season struggles, making their path to the division title more difficult.
• Quarterback Joe Burrow, who was limited by a calf injury at the start of the season, has called the loss to the Texans one of the most frustrating of his career.
• The Bengals' defense allowed too many explosive plays in the game against the Texans, with Houston making nine plays of 20 yards or more.
• Despite the loss, the connection between Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase remains strong, with the two making a 64-yard touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Texans.