The Cincinnati Bengals wrap up the season next weekend with a homestand against the visiting Cleveland Browns.
With the team officially out of the playoff hunt and the focus really shifting to the offseason outlook — highlighted by mock drafts and the like — it was always destined to be a slow news week for the team.
Still, we’ve got some interesting fallout from the team being eliminated from the playoff race in the form of the 2024 opponents list getting finalized. We’ve also got one notable defender apparently heading for offseason surgery soon.
Here’s a look at the must-know Bengals news, notes and quotes for January 3.
2024 opponents
A full look at what teams the Bengals will play next year, as a result of where the Bengals finished and standard divisional rotators.
Sam Hubbard surgery
Defensive end Sam Hubbard will play in Week 18 against the Browns in a bid to avoid the team falling in an 0-6 hole in AFC North play. After that, he’ll head to an undisclosed surgery.
Bengals going all out vs. Browns
As hinted, the Bengals really want to avoid a winless mark in divisional play, something they haven’t done since 2002. A comment from coaches drives that point home.
Stat to know before Sunday:
41 years of sending 'em home happy.
Even in some of the bleakest #Bengals seasons, they've found a way to win their last game in front of their fans.
They are a remarkable 33-8 in their last 41 home finales. pic.twitter.com/nP5Fgw4sDU
— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) January 2, 2024
Pro Football Network’s Jay Morrison with a wild stat to remember.
