Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals

It's been a proverbial conversation for years surrounding Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, and it will be that way once again going into the 2026 season. Can the Bengals get off to a fast start? If they can this season, the No. 1 seed may very well be in play.

 

Alex Frank, Coach Art Valero, and FOX19 Sports Director Joe Danneman discuss how this year's Bengals can get off to that fast start and if the No. 1 seed is a realistic goal this season. It could be with the AFC as wide open as it has ever been.

 

The Bengals have 12 players on the ballot for induction into their  Ring of Honor this season. Two will get in. Which two should get in? Alex explains who he and his family are voting for and why they deserve to be inducted.

 

This time of the year is for predictions and projections. In the final segment today, Alex, Coach, and Joe play the over/under game with eight different categories.

 

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Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

 

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

 

Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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It's James Rapien's last show on Locked On Bengals! To celebrate his 6+ years co-hosting with Jake Liscow, the guys reflect on some of the coolest moments over those years along with the massive growth of the podcast. James talks about his expectations for the Bengals this season, and we made sure to sneak in one last "Hot Take James" segment featuring Barrett Carter, Bryan Cook, and Dexter Lawrence.

Plus, Jake teases what's next for the podcast as the Bengals are heading into OTAs and minicamp. 

Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AObc0lh0WmQl5fJVgtajs

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vbG9ja2Vkb25iZW5nYWxz?sa=X&ved=0CAYQrrcFahcKEwio_sXtj8nuAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAg

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If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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There are many things to look forward to on the Bengals 2026 Schedule and the 2026 Season. One of those things is the season-opener, as Joe Burrow faces an old AFC North rival in quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

 

Alex Frank and Coach Art Valero discuss the Bengals' Week 1 matchup against the Buccaneers and how fireworks could be seen from both quarterbacks. But there's more to this matchup than just the two quarterbacks, and one thing could benefit the Bengals in the early part of the season.

 

With the other three teams in the AFC North changing head coaches this offseason, does this mean the Bengals should be favored to win the AFC North in 2026? There can be a case made for both sides of that question.

 

The Bengals have a favorable schedule in 2026. But there's another element that may enable them to get back to the Playoffs in 2026. After all, the entire AFC is wide open.

 

Joe Burrow represents a lot of things to the Bengals and Cincinnati. But above all of those things, it may be Burrow being an ambassador to the Bengals franchise, the Queen City, and beyond.

 

Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals

 

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everyday...

 

Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:

 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AObc0l...

 

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...

 

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/locked-...

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

 

Square

If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.

 

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

 

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

 

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

 

Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Cincinnati Bengals added Geno Atkins, AJ Green, Andrew Whitworth, Leon Hall, and Carlos Dunlap to the 2026 Ring Of Honor Ballot, and now we're not sure they'll ever catch up for the original, also deserving nominees. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss whether it was too early to add some players who have only been out of the league for 3 years, with guys like Bob Trumpy, Max Montoya, David Fulcher, Reggie Williams, and James Brooks have been waiting and waiting. 

Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AObc0lh0WmQl5fJVgtajs

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vbG9ja2Vkb25iZW5nYWxz?sa=X&ved=0CAYQrrcFahcKEwio_sXtj8nuAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAg

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/locked-on-bengals

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Square

If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Amarius Mims came into the NFL as a ball of clay with an incredible toolkit, and it looks like Bengals offensive line coach Scott Peters is helping him realize his potential. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why Mims is the most obvious breakout Bengal in 2026, before scouring the rest of the roster for other breakout candidates like Dylan Fairchild and Shemar Stewart. Who else will take a big leap for the Bengals this year?! 

Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonbengals

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Find and follow Locked On Bengals on your favorite podcast platforms:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/locked-on-bengals-daily-podcast-on-the-cincinnati-bengals/id1159723162

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AObc0lh0WmQl5fJVgtajs

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vbG9ja2Vkb25iZW5nYWxz?sa=X&ved=0CAYQrrcFahcKEwio_sXtj8nuAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAg

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/locked-on-bengals

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Square

If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.

Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.