With the playoffs as an afterthought, with very little chance for the Cincinnati Bengals to get to the postseason, we now turn our attention to how the team can be better in 2026.
One thing the team can do is evaluate the current roster and identify players who will help it return to where it wants to be next season. And that is especially the case for anyone on Cincinnati's defensive line this weekend.
Self-scouting will be an opportunity for players to win their one-on-one matchups in the last few games of the season, demonstrating to the decision-makers and other teams willing to trade for them that they can have an impact on an NFL roster moving forward.