You might have expected high-profile offensive players like Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Orlando Brown Jr. to be named here, but I wanted to go with some guys on Cincinnati’s defense, which is fascinating to me. The Bengals have not finished in the top 15 in total defense since Lou Anarumo was hired as coordinator in 2019. But they always find a way to rise to the occasion when it matters the most, like the Robert Horry of NFL defenses, frustrating their opponents — especially the Chiefs. Heck, even in a Week 17 loss last season, Cincinnati held Kansas City to three fourth-quarter field goals, when Lou was out there making magic. In terms of key spots on the depth chart, the Bengals are set at edge rusher, thanks to Trey Hendrickson (unfulfilled trade request notwithstanding) and Sam Hubbard, but they needed help alongside B.J. Hill on the interior, with D.J. Reader heading to the Lions in free agency. Enter this pair of studs. Jenkins, a second-round pick (and son of ex-NFL Pro Bowler Kris Jenkins), started all 15 games and was a team captain for the national champions at Michigan last year. Rankins, a veteran signing, had six sacks, nine tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits with the Texans in 2023.