Underdog report: 2024 Cincinnati Bengals

Free agent target: OT Jermaine Eluemunor, Las Vegas Raiders

Even with a projected $61M in cap space next year (sixth-most in the league), the Bengals need to be careful with their spending. Wide receivers Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins are already free agents and Ja’Marr Chase has one year left on his deal.

With an estimated market value of two years, $7.25M per year by Pro Football Focus, Eluemunor won’t break the bank. And after spending most of his career as a swing tackle, the seven-year veteran settled in nicely at right tackle for the Raiders last season.

Draft Target: OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

With free agent RT Jonah Williams expected to receive offers in the four-year, $43M range, Cincinnati may be better off finding his replacement in the draft. Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings calls Fuaga one of this year’s most underrated offensive line prospects, citing his elite power and explosiveness.

The 6-foot-6, 334-pound right tackle was named First-Team All-American in 2023 and is considered the draft's third-best tackle by PFF.

Reason for optimism: A healthy quarterback

When healthy, Burrow is easily one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. After undergoing surgery to repair a ligament in his wrist in late November, the 26-year-old  is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the regular season

Reason for concern: Wide receivers

Even with a healthy cap number, it’s unlikely the Bengals will re-sign Boyd and Higgins, and extend Chase. The team doesn’t have much talent behind them, so it will be interesting to see how things shake out in 2024.