Here are a few key matchups the Bengals have to win if they want to avoid falling to 4-9.
Neither the Cincinnati Bengals nor the Dallas Cowboys are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, but with just nine wins between them, both teams face slim postseason chances without significant help. This game features two “should-have-been-good” teams, and the outcome likely won’t matter much to anyone outside of the teams and their fans. It’s a frustrating position to be in late in the season.
Now that they’re playing for pride, here are a few matchups that could decide the game:
Bengals’ Left Tackle vs. Micah Parsons
Orlando Brown Jr. is out after re-aggravating an injury in last week’s loss to the Steelers. It remains unclear who will start at left tackle for the Bengals. Cody Ford, Brown’s backup, moved to left guard after Cordell Volson was benched. Will the Bengals return Ford to left tackle and reinstate Volson at guard? It’s not an ideal scenario, but the Bengals are short on options.
Other potential candidates include Andrew Stueber and Devin Cochran, but whoever gets the nod will have to contend with Micah Parsons. The Cowboys’ star pass rusher, credited with 6.5 sacks (or eight, per Pro Football Focus), will primarily attack Joe Burrow’s blind side. If Burrow doesn’t get time to throw or is forced to constantly look over his shoulder, the Bengals’ offense could sputter.
Lou Anarumo vs. A Mediocre Cowboys Offense
The Cowboys haven’t dominated on offense this season, thanks to injuries and bad luck. Still, the Bengals’ defense has been one of the league’s worst, allowing over 40 points to the Steelers last week—their highest total since 2018.
Joe Burrow and the offense can score, but the defense has struggled to stop opponents. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo faces the daunting task of keeping Dallas in check despite a depleted roster.
With only one reliable pass rusher, a front seven that struggles against the run, and a leaky secondary, Anarumo will need a masterful game plan to limit quarterback Cooper Rush, who has already beaten the Bengals in Dallas once before.
Trey Hendrickson vs. Cowboys’ Left Tackle
The Cowboys are dealing with their own left tackle issues. Tyler Guyton hasn’t practiced all week due to an ankle and knee injury, leaving his status for Monday night questionable. If Guyton can’t play, Chuma Edoga is expected to start, setting up a key matchup against Trey Hendrickson.
Hendrickson leads the NFL with 11.5 sacks this season and has been the Bengals’ lone consistent pass-rushing threat. With little help elsewhere on the defensive line, Hendrickson will once again carry the burden of generating pressure on his own.
Chase Brown vs. Cowboys’ Defensive Front
Rookie running back Chase Brown has taken over as Cincinnati’s lead rusher, and his explosiveness makes him a constant threat to break off big plays. The Cowboys’ run defense has struggled in 2024, allowing 1,771 rushing yards (sixth most in the league) and 4.9 yards per carry (second most).
Despite ranking near the bottom of the league in rushing yards, the Bengals could benefit from establishing a ground game to take pressure off Burrow, particularly if pass protection proves problematic. Brown’s ability to make defenders miss could be a crucial factor in the Bengals’ game plan.
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What matchups will you be keeping an eye on?
