The major Bengals storyline that could change everything in Week 16

Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) and quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrate a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Broncos at Paycor Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | The Enquirer/Sam Greene / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesThe Cincinnati Bengals have a delicate balance to strike over the final few games, beginning with Week 16's showdown in Miami against the Dolphins.

Now that the playoffs are officially out of reach, the Bengals are in evaluation mode with veterans and young players, and are also trying to get to the end-of-season clubhouse with their most critical players intact.

That's already proving more difficult than is optimal. Joe Burrow popped up on the injury…