With the playoffs all but out of reach, the Cincinnati Bengals are shifting their focus from chasing wins to building for 2026. And while the scoreboard still matters, the real value over the final stretch of the season lies in evaluation-specifically, evaluating who on this roster is part of the solution moving forward.
That spotlight is shining especially bright on the defensive line this weekend. With a favorable matchup against a struggling Ravens interior offensive line, this is a prime opportunity for Cincinnati’s front to put meaningful reps on tape-not just for the Bengals’ coaching staff, but for any other teams that might come calling in the offseason.
Time to Feast: Bengals’ D-Line vs. Ravens’ Interior
Let’s start with the obvious mismatch. Baltimore’s right guard Daniel Faalele has had a rough go of it this season.
His pass protection issues have been well-documented, and his struggles in space have made him a liability in the run game. Whether it’s a defensive tackle lining up directly over him, a defensive end looping inside on a stunt, or a linebacker coming on a delayed blitz, Cincinnati’s pass rushers need to win those matchups.
Repeatedly.
This isn’t about piling on a struggling player-it’s about execution. The Bengals’ defensive line has to take advantage of a matchup that, on paper, heavily favors them.
Faalele’s tape has been a revolving door of blown assignments and missed pickups. As former Bengal Chad Ochocinco put it on his podcast, Faalele is “always at the scene of a crime.”
That’s not just a punchline-it’s a call to action for Cincinnati’s defensive front.
The left guard spot isn’t much better. Andrew Voorhees hasn’t been quite as glaring, but he’s far from a brick wall. There are reps to be won here too, and the Bengals need to capitalize.
In their last meeting, Joseph Ossai was the only defensive lineman who really made an impact-two sacks, two tackles for loss, four quarterback hits. The rest of the unit was quiet.
That can’t happen again. Not with the postseason out of reach and 2026 roster decisions on the horizon.
Time to Get Creative: Let the Linebackers Loose
This game isn’t just about the defensive line. It’s also a chance for defensive coordinator Al Golden to experiment with his young linebackers-specifically Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter.
Both players have had their struggles in coverage and in open-field tackling. But if they can’t hold up on the back end, maybe it’s time to let them do what they do best: attack.
Dial up some blitzes. Get them moving downhill.
Let them test the Ravens’ shaky interior line and see if they can generate some pressure.
It’s a low-risk, high-reward move. If Knight and Carter can find some success as blitzers, it not only helps the defense this week-it builds confidence heading into the offseason and gives the coaching staff another tool to work with.
Confidence on the Line: Jackson and Jenkins Jr.
Two players who could really use a breakout performance are defensive tackles McKinnley Jackson and Kris Jenkins Jr.
Jackson, who requested a trade earlier this season, hasn’t had that signature moment yet-the kind of play that jumps off the screen and makes you think, “Okay, this guy can be a difference-maker.” If he’s active this week, this is the kind of matchup where that moment could finally come.
Jenkins, meanwhile, has been solid but unspectacular in his rookie campaign. Through 13 games, he’s posted 33 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits, and two tackles for loss. Those are respectable numbers, but this is a chance to add a little shine to that stat line-and maybe validate the Bengals’ decision to take him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
One Eye on the Future, One Eye on Lamar
Let’s be real: the Bengals aren’t playing for a postseason berth anymore. But that doesn’t mean these games don’t matter. They matter a lot-for the players trying to earn a spot on next year’s roster, for the coaches evaluating who fits their system, and for a front office trying to figure out where to invest in the offseason.
And if Cincinnati’s defensive line can’t generate pressure against this Baltimore interior, that tells you something too. It tells you that a pass-rushing defensive tackle needs to be near the top of the 2026 to-do list.
But if the Bengals can get after Lamar Jackson, disrupt his rhythm, and maybe even play spoiler to the Ravens’ postseason push? That’s the kind of statement that resonates-even in a season that’s already slipping into the rearview mirror.
So yes, the playoffs may be off the table. But the opportunity? It’s still very much on the field.