Can the Bengals' retooled defense finally solve Lamar Jackson in 2026?

The AFC North never stays quiet for long. The Baltimore Ravens are again being picked as the division favorites entering 2026, but that does not mean the path will be comfortable. The Pittsburgh Steelers recently served as Baltimore’s biggest roadblock, snatching the division crown after a season-ending victory that left Ravens fans grinding their teeth all offseason.

Now, another challenger is drawing attention. There is a growing theory, sometimes whispered and sometimes spoken more loudly, that the Cincinnati Bengals are finally positioned to make a serious move after aggressively retooling a defense that badly needed reinforcements. On paper, the optimism makes sense. Reality, however, still includes one rather inconvenient detail for Cincinnati.

Lamar Jackson has spent most of his career tormenting the Bengals.

History remains firmly on the Baltimore Ravens’ side vs. the Bengals.

According to Jordan Schultz, Baltimore will travel to Cincinnati in Week 17 for a Thursday Night Football showdown that could carry massive AFC North implications. Perhaps league offices hope that this is the game that will decide the AFC North? That is the type of late-season heavyweight fight fans should circle immediately.

Joe Burrow remains one of football’s elite quarterbacks. Ja’Marr Chase is capable of detonating secondaries almost single-handedly. Cincinnati’s offseason additions, including , , , and rookie pass rusher Cashius Howell, suggest the Bengals are serious about fixing past defensive issues. Still, until proven otherwise, Lamar Jackson remains Cincinnati’s recurring nightmare.