Three thoughts on the state of Bengals before the trade deadline, crucial game against Raiders

CINCINNATI – The Bengals need to win a game against the Raiders on Sunday. They will have to win without some key players.

Here are three thoughts on the state of the team, Sunday's game and the five-day stretch that will define their season:

Five days to make or break the Bengals in 2024

The Bengals have underperformed so far this season, but that doesn't mean they can't turn things around.

Your back is against the wall. They can change that by winning two games in five days. They play the Raiders on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Then they travel to Baltimore on Wednesday for a showdown against the Ravens on Thursday evening.

They can go from 3-5 to 5-5 in 106 hours with two AFC wins and a win over one of the best teams in football (Ravens).

It's a BIG task. There is no doubt about that. But that has to be their mindset. A five day stretch to save the season.

Two games in 106 hours will define the 2024 Bengals. Sometimes it's complicated, but it really is that simple.

If you lose either game, your playoff hopes are as good as over. Win both games and you'd be right back in the playoff mix ahead of the mini-bye and a Week 11 showdown with the Chargers.

injury situation

Tee Higgins (quad) and Orlando Brown Jr. (knee/fibula) are officially questionable and neither will play this week. That's not shocking.

Higgins was sidelined last week and Brown did not finish the game against the Eagles after being injured in a Week 7 win over Cleveland.

Zack Moss' neck injury is a surprise. How serious is it? Will he miss significant time? Who will block their pass?

Look for Trayveon Williams to step into that role on Sunday against the Raiders. It's a tall order, especially with Brown Jr. out and Maxx Crosby hoping to ruin the Bengals' season.

Expect rookie running back Kendall Milton to be called up from the practice squad.

Trade deadline

Dianna Russini reports that the Bengals are hoping to bolster their pass rush before the trade deadline.

Most people will dismiss the idea because Cincinnati doesn't make trades during the season, but the Bengals front office knows they are a flawed football team. They know they need to add talent if they really want to be successful.

Anytime you have Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, you have a chance. There's no reason why they shouldn't aggressively pursue Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari. The 24-year-old has six sacks this season and will become a free agent in March.

If Moss' injury is serious, the Bengals should definitely look to add a running back before the deadline. Moss is a key piece of the offense. They need a reliable pass blocker who can also be a threat with the ball in his hands – both as a runner and in the passing game.

Your plan should be simple. Beat the Raiders and then complete a trade for a pass rusher, running back or another potential target on Sunday night. That should be the Bengals’ mindset. That way, the players they're trading for can walk into the building on Monday, pass his physical and dive into the playbook before another must-win win against the Ravens on Thursday Night Football.

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