The major Bengals storyline that could change everything in Week 9

Oct 26, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) throws the ball during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn ImagesThe Cincinnati Bengals are on thin ice entering Week 9 against the Chicago Bears, and once again, much of it has to do with uncertainty at the quarterback position.

Cincinnati's 2025 campaign has been borderline waking nightmarish. Halloween's haunts arrived way early in the Queen City when Joe Burrow went down with a turf toe injury in Week 2. Jake Browning took his place and proceeded to lose four straight games.

Although Joe Flacco's arrival brought…