“Ain’t nobody trying to watch Bo Nix, a rookie quarterback, play over Joe Burrow,” Saturday said, according to Zack Kelberman. Everybody’s tuning in [for] Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins. … If they get in the playoffs, it’s a much better story.”

Joe Burrow leads the NFL in passing yards (4,229) and touchdowns (39). His top receiver, Ja'Marr Chase, is the No. 1 pass-catcher in receptions (108), receiving yards (1,510) and touchdowns (16).

Win on Sunday against the Denver Broncos (9-6) at Paycor Stadium (4:30 p.m., NFL Network), or the 2024-25 season will be a losing one with no postseason. There's no other option for this Bengals team that started the year with Super Bowl aspirations.