Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel said he has a "desire" to have wide receiver Tee Higgins back on the team, though it depends on if he will return at "a number that makes sense for everybody." (Source: Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati Enquirer)

Fantasy Impact: Tobin and the Bengals are in a tough spot where it is hard for them to get both Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase to return on long-term deals alongside Joe Burrow's massive contract without someone sacrificing further top-end money to do so. As a result, it seems tough for Cincinnati to be able to pull this off, though Tobin said he still desires Higgins to return. A second franchise tag still seems likely in 2025, but Higgins' offseason could be a busy one this year.

Cincinnati Bengals star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson "earned a pay raise" for his production, but Cincy's director of player personnel says, "We can't have guys at the top of the payroll in every position, right?" (Source: Kevin Patra, NFL.com)

Fantasy Impact: Hendrickson was the NFL's sack leader in 2024 with 17.5, 3.5 more than anyone else in the NFL. However, his situation in Cincinnati has been murky as he requested a trade last offseason due to contract discussion complications. The Bengals have developed a reputation as a front office who is stingy with extensions and top-of-the-line money, as evidenced by the Tee Higgins saga, so Hendrickson's "earned" pay raise could only further grow the impasse, especially with one year left on his deal.

Cincinnati Bengals TE Erick All Jr. could reportedly miss the entire 2025 season due to an ACL injury he suffered on Nov. 3. (Source: Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic)

Fantasy Impact: All has an extensive injury history, having torn his ACL twice now, once on Oct. 2023 and again on Nov. 2024. With his promising receiving ability, the Bengals were hoping to see him recover while playing behind Mike Gesicki in 2024 and be more involved in 2025, but his injury complicates that process. In dynasty leagues, this makes All a tough hold given that he may not play until 2026.

The Bengals D/ST allowed 17 points while forcing one turnover and notching four sacks in a 19-17 win over the Steelers in Week 18.

Fantasy Impact: Cincinnati made life difficult for the Pittsburgh offense, holding them to just 314 yards of total offense on the evening. They were led by Trey Hendrickson, who had 3.5 sacks in the contest. Cincinnati's defense will now hope the Chiefs beat the Broncos and the Jets beat or tie the Dolphins for a chance to sneak into the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Cade York made all four of his field-goal attempts and added an extra point in a 19-17 win over the Steelers in Week 18.

Fantasy Impact: York was busy in the close win, hitting field goals from 48, 27, 35, and 23 yards out. The veteran has been filling in as the Bengals' kicker with Chase McLaughlin sidelined by a groin injury and would presumably do so again in the wild-card round if Cincinnati manages to sneak into the playoffs and McLaughlin isn't ready to be activated. Stay tuned.

Mike Gesicki caught eight of his 10 targets for 68 yards in a 19-17 win over the Steelers in Week 18.

Fantasy Impact: Gesicki finished second on the Bengals in receiving in the close win. The veteran tight end came on strong at the end of the season, catching 18 passes for 154 yards over his final two games. Gesicki wraps up his 2024 season with 65 catches for 665 yards and two touchdowns.

Andrei Iosivas caught two of his three targets for 12 yards in a 19-17 win over the Steelers in Week 18.

Fantasy Impact: Iosivas was quiet in the close win despite Tee Higgins leaving near the end of the third quarter with an ankle injury. The second-year receiver finishes his 2024 season with 36 catches for 479 yards and six touchdowns. If Higgins leaves as a free-agent in the offseason, Iosivas could be looking at an increased role in the Cincinnati offense in 2025.

Ja'Marr Chase caught 10 of his 14 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown in a 19-17 win over the Steelers in Week 18.

Fantasy Impact: Chase brought in his 17th touchdown catch of the season to cap off the Bengals' first drive of the game. The veteran receiver turned in his finest season yet as a pro, setting career highs in catches (127), yards (1,708), and touchdowns. Chase and the Bengals still have a chance to sneak into the playoffs if the Chiefs win and the Jets win or tie the Dolphins on Sunday. If the Bengals make it in, Chase will be an excellent fantasy option next week in playoff leagues and DFS contests.

Khalil Herbert carried the ball 20 times for 69 yards and caught seven of his eight targets for 14 yards in a 19-17 win over the Steelers in Week 18.

Fantasy Impact: Herbert took over as the team's lead back as Chase Brown (ankle) was inactive. On the bright side, the Bengals were not shy about getting him the ball as he handled all of the running-back carries in the win. That being said, he only averaged 3.5 yards per carry and 2.0 yards per catch on his seven receptions. The Bengals still have a shot at sneaking into the playoffs, where Herbert could presumably operate as their lead back if Brown's ankle holds him out for another week.

Joe Burrow completed 37 of his 46 passes for 277 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 19-17 win over the Steelers in Week 18.

Fantasy Impact: Burrow was red-hot on his team's opening drive, completing all six of his pass attempts with the final completion a 12-yard touchdown to Ja'Marr Chase. That would be as good as it would get for Burrow on the evening as the Bengals would settle for four field goals for the remainder of the game. Burrow will need some help on Sunday to claim a spot in the playoffs as the Chiefs need to win and the Jets need to either beat or tie the Dolphins. If Burrow makes it into the playoffs, he will be an excellent option in DFS and playoff leagues next weekend. Stay tuned.

Bengals RB Chase Brown (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 18.

Fantasy Impact: Brown is dealing with a right ankle sprain that he suffered in Week 17. He tested out his ankle during pregame warmups, but evidently was not able to cut on his ankle as well as the team had hoped. Khalil Herbert will likely be the featured back against the Steelers.

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed undrafted rookie RB Kendall Milton to their active roster from their practice squad ahead of Week 18. (Source: Cincinnati Bengals on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: With Chase Brown banged up (ankle; questionable/game-time decision), the Bengals need as much depth as they can get for their finale in the backfield. If Brown plays, Milton may just be an insurance policy, but if Brown sits, RB Khalil Herbert would likely be the starter while special teams ace Trayveon Williams (nine offensive snaps in 2024) would likely compete with Milton for RB snaps.

Orlando Brown Jr. was limited at practice on Tuesday. (Source: Mike Petraglia on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Brown's status will be worth monitoring at practice throughout the week heading into Saturday's regular season finale against the Steelers.

The Bengals placed Sheldon Rankins on the non-football injury list.

Fantasy Impact: Rankins has been sidelined with an illness and he'll be out at least four more weeks. He recorded one sack over seven starts this season for the Bengals.

The Jaguars signed Joe Giles-Harris to their active roster. (Source: JaguarsPR on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Giles-Harris will add depth to the Jaguars linebacker group to close the season.

Bengals coach Zac Taylor anticipates Amarius Mims will practice on Tuesday. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The same goes for Orlando Brown Jr. It appears the Bengals offensive line should be mostly healthy heading into Saturday's game against the Broncos.

Tanner Hudson (knee) is out for Week 16's game against the Cleveland Browns. (Source: Cincinnati Bengals)

Fantasy Impact: Hudson aggravated a knee injury at practice this week and will not be able to play in Week 16 as a result. Fantasy managers shouldn't put much weight into his absence against Cleveland, as he doesn't get much work for Cincinnati even when healthy.

Charlie Jones (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. (Source: Cincinnati Bengals)

Fantasy Impact: Jones seems to be nearing a return. He was back at practice this week, and now he officially carries a questionable tag for Sunday's game. He'll likely be limited to a special teams role if he's able to suit up in Week 16.

Alex Cappa was seen at practice on Thursday. (Source: Kelsey Conway on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Cappa was going through offensive line work as he remains in concussion protocol. He'll have till Saturday to officially clear the protocols.

The Bengals signed DE Isaiah Thomas to their practice squad. (Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Thomas was previously with the Bengals when he was signed by the Lions off their practice squad. He lands back with the Bengals to close the season.