Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (81) drops the ball on the ground after catching a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of the NFL preseason game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. / Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals all but outright told fans the Jermaine Burton era is over. Despite missing Ja’Marr Chase due to the star receiver’s suspension, the Bengals didn’t bother taking Burton off the inactives list, where he’s spent most of the year.

The Cincinnati Bengals are back in Paycor Stadium attempting to stop their three-game losing streak against the New England Patriots.

After a week of speculating if this was the week when Joe Burrow would return to the football field, the Cincinnati Bengals will do so without him as they welcome the AFC North-leading New England Patriots.

As Cincinnati has tumbled down the standings, Drake Maye’s MVP campaign has skyrocketed, and a porous Bengals defense should only help his case. That is, if the Patriots don’t allow for a letdown. Here’s what to watch for in Cincinnati: