Top 3 Key Bengals Storylines Coming Out of Bye Week
The Cincinnati Bengals enter their bye week with a promising 5-4 record and several key storylines to watch for the remainder of the season:
Ja'Marr Chase vs. Mac Jones for Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Chase has posted impressive rookie stats: 835 yards and 7 touchdowns through 9 games
- Jones has thrown for 2,333 yards, 13 TDs, and 7 INTs while leading Patriots to 6-4 record
- What started as Chase's clear lead has become a competitive two-player race
Cornerback Position Battle
- Eli Apple likely to lose starting CB2 role
- Recent waiver additions Tre Flowers and Vernon Hargreaves III competing for spot
- Trae Waynes remains questionable to return from hamstring injury
- Coaching staff will evaluate options during bye week practices
AFC North Division Race
- Bengals currently in third place with 2-1 division record
- Key wins over Steelers and Ravens, loss to Browns
- FiveThirtyEight gives Bengals 39% playoff odds, increasing to 70% with wins over Raiders and Steelers
- Team sits just outside Wild Card position entering Week 11
The combination of Joe Burrow's leadership, Chase's record-breaking rookie season, and the team's competitive position in a tight AFC North race has Cincinnati eyeing a potential playoff berth as they emerge from their bye week.
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