X-Factors That Could Change Bengals 2026 Season

NFL games are often won or lost on the margins, where X-Factors come out of nowhere to make game-winning plays. We know Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook, and DJ Turner are foundational pieces for the 2026 Bengals, but which X-Factor will take the next step to join them? Jake Liscow and James Rapien start the conversation with linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, before breaking down all of the potential X-Factors like Kyle Dugger, Boye Mafe, Shemar Stewart, Andrei Iosivas, and Jack Endries and how they could make major impacts this season.