Ahead of that matchup, the Bengals announced the activation of linebacker Shaka Heyward from injured reserve. Heyward originally went to injured reserve in late October due to a fibula injury. The team designated him to return last Wednesday before officially activating him for Week 15.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals have a few rising coaches on Zac Taylor's staff right now. Sports Illustrated's Connor Orr broke down nearly 50 candidates for head coaching or coordinator positions, with Dan Pitcher one of the top head coach candidates and passing game coach Justin Rascati an offensive coordinator candidate.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The NFL finalized its Week 17 schedule on Wednesday, and that includes when the matchup between the Bengals and Cardinals will be. The two teams will play on Sunday, Dec. 28, at 1 p.m. with FOX broadcasting the game.

Make no mistake, Bain is an exciting prospect. Both Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai are on the way to free agency. Myles Murphy has shown a few flashes, but the team has gotten nothing from last year’s first-rounder, Shemar Stewart. Bain makes sense.

The Packers are coming off a last-second win over the Chicago Bears, wh ich thrust them back atop the NFC North and the No. 2 seed in the NFC. They've garnered tons of momentum with that victory, which, if you've been paying attention to the Packers this season, is exactly the time they give it all back with a loss.

The good news for the Ravens is they are lining up against the most hospitable defense in the NFL. Cincinnati is allowing 31.8 points per game. They have held just two opponents to fewer than 26 all season...but one of those two was Baltimore on Thanksgiving. The Ravens scored just 14 points that evening.

Whether Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is on the hot seat continues to be a debate that will stretch into the offseason. For some, the debate there might be over and the real conversation pertains to someone like defensive coordinator Al Golden.

Josh Allen earned the prestigious honor of being named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week following an explosive effort during the Buffalo Bills' win over the