AFC North 2025: Ravens' Three-Peat Quest, Bengals' Defensive Woes, and Steelers' Rodgers Era

Can the Baltimore Ravens make history as the first team to win the AFC North three years straight? Kevin Ostreicher and fellow hosts dissect the Ravens' offseason moves, including Jair Alexander and DeAndre Hopkins acquisitions. Jake Lisco examines the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive firepower and defensive struggles, while Chris Carter analyzes the Pittsburgh Steelers' revamped defense with Jalen Ramsey. Spencer German weighs in on the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation and Joe Flacco's impact. The hosts debate potential MVP candidates Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, and offer surprising division rankings.

Tune in for expert insights on each team's strengths, weaknesses, and playoff chances in this comprehensive AFC North preview.

Joe Burrow is elite, and Robert Weintraub (Cincinnati Magazine, FTN Almanac) makes the case for a major Bengals bounce back in 2025. Jake Liscow and James Rapien chat with Robert about the upside with Burrow, the offensive line and running game, concerns about the Bengals' defense and so much more! They also look ahead to the Bengals' Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns!

Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals

Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AObc0lh0WmQl5fJVgtajs

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vbG9ja2Vkb25iZW5nYWxz?sa=X&ved=0CAYQrrcFahcKEwio_sXtj8nuAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAg

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/locked-on-bengals

Listener Survey
We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go to https://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.

Rugiet
Head to Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONNFL and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off today.

Upside
Don’t let this offer drive on by, download the free Upside app now using my limited time promo code TOUCHDOWN for a limited time 25 cent per gallon bonus! Offers vary by user and location, Go to upside.com for terms and conditions.
Click Here to download the app: https://getupside.onelink.me/zlLr?af_xp=custom&pid=barrington&c=barrington_lockedon25&deep_link_value=promo&deep_link_sub1=lockedon25&af_dp=upsideapp%3A%2F%2F

Yahoo Fantasy
Presented by YahooFantasy #YahooPartner. Draft now at https://yahoofantasy.com/lockedonnfl.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Cincinnati Bengals' initial cutdown to 53 never fails to surprise, and this year it's their decision to keep 6 defensive tackles and 5 tight ends against just 8 offensive linemen. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the most interesting moves the Bengals made on cutdown day, and more importantly, what's coming next as they scour the waiver wire for OL, DT, and safety help.

Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals

Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AObc0lh0WmQl5fJVgtajs

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vbG9ja2Vkb25iZW5nYWxz?sa=X&ved=0CAYQrrcFahcKEwio_sXtj8nuAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAg

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/locked-on-bengals

Listener Survey
We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go to https://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.

Rugiet
Head to Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONNFL and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off today.

Upside
Don’t let this offer drive on by, download the free Upside app now using my limited time promo code TOUCHDOWN for a limited time 25 cent per gallon bonus! Offers vary by user and location, Go to upside.com for terms and conditions.
Click Here to download the app: https://getupside.onelink.me/zlLr?af_xp=custom&pid=barrington&c=barrington_lockedon25&deep_link_value=promo&deep_link_sub1=lockedon25&af_dp=upsideapp%3A%2F%2F

Yahoo Fantasy
Presented by YahooFantasy #YahooPartner. Draft now at https://yahoofantasy.com/lockedonnfl.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Trey Hendrickson and the Cincinnati Bengals finally found common ground. The surprise is that the common ground is for 2025 only. The Bengals won't take the risk to pay Hendrickson for his aging years, and the All-Pro defensive end will have a chance to reach free agency for one last big deal after this season. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break it all down as the Bengals ensured that Hendrickson wouldn't miss any regular season practice time.

Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals

Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AObc0lh0WmQl5fJVgtajs

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vbG9ja2Vkb25iZW5nYWxz?sa=X&ved=0CAYQrrcFahcKEwio_sXtj8nuAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAg

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/locked-on-bengals

Listener Survey
We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go to https://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.

Rugiet
Head to Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONNFL and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off today.

Upside
Don’t let this offer drive on by, download the free Upside app now using my limited time promo code TOUCHDOWN for a limited time 25 cent per gallon bonus! Offers vary by user and location, Go to upside.com for terms and conditions.
Click Here to download the app: https://getupside.onelink.me/zlLr?af_xp=custom&pid=barrington&c=barrington_lockedon25&deep_link_value=promo&deep_link_sub1=lockedon25&af_dp=upsideapp%3A%2F%2F

Yahoo Fantasy
Presented by YahooFantasy #YahooPartner. Draft now at https://yahoofantasy.com/lockedonnfl.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Cincinnati Bengals concluded their 2025 preseason by getting blown out against the Indianapolis Colts in a battle of backups and practice squad hopefuls on Saturday, but they sustained injuries to Jermaine Burton and Daijahn Anthony in the process. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the depth chart implications from Saturday's preseason finale, which revealed some roster locks, and a few roster spots that were up for grabs.

Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals

Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AObc0lh0WmQl5fJVgtajs

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vbG9ja2Vkb25iZW5nYWxz?sa=X&ved=0CAYQrrcFahcKEwio_sXtj8nuAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAg

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/locked-on-bengals

Listener Survey
We’ve put together a survey to learn more about our listeners and make your favorite podcasts even better. Go to https://lockedonpodcasts.com/survey/ to get started. Everyone who completes a survey will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards.

Rugiet
Head to Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONNFL and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get 15% off today.

Upside
Don’t let this offer drive on by, download the free Upside app now using my limited time promo code TOUCHDOWN for a limited time 25 cent per gallon bonus! Offers vary by user and location, Go to upside.com for terms and conditions.
Click Here to download the app: https://getupside.onelink.me/zlLr?af_xp=custom&pid=barrington&c=barrington_lockedon25&deep_link_value=promo&deep_link_sub1=lockedon25&af_dp=upsideapp%3A%2F%2F

Yahoo Fantasy
Presented by YahooFantasy #YahooPartner. Draft now at https://yahoofantasy.com/lockedonnfl.

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

With training camp wrapping up on Thursday, the Bengals have some decisions to make that will come down to how different depth pieces perform in their preseason finale. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the takeaways from the final practice of training camp, including why Oren Burks was in for Demetrius Knight, Mitch Tinsley's evidently solidified status on the roster, and Al Golden insisting that the defense's issues are due to preseason scheme simplicity. Plus, we break down the most interesting remaining roster battles in the final preseason game.

Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals

Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AObc0lh0WmQl5fJVgtajs

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vbG9ja2Vkb25iZW5nYWxz?sa=X&ved=0CAYQrrcFahcKEwio_sXtj8nuAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAg

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/locked-on-bengals

Yahoo Fantasy
Presented by YahooFantasy #YahooPartner. Play Now at https://yahoofantasy.com/lockedonnfl.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNFL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnfl for 50% off your first year.

Betterhelp
This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp. Talk it out, with BetterHelp. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/lockedon.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)