The Cincinnati Bengals suddenly have major NFL draft implications at stake during the Week 16 game against the Miami Dolphins. 

Now eliminated from the playoffs, the attention turns to whether the team can win a few games, shift conversations away from a Zac Taylor hot seat and how the results impact a possible top 10 pick in the draft. 

According to ESPN Research, the Bengals have a strong chance at a top 10 spot: 

“What’s at stake: Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention. The Bengals have 62% chance to land a top-10 pick in the draft, and the Dolphins have a 55% chance, according to ESPN Analytics.”

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Entering the weekend, the Bengals sat ninth in the order. 

2026 NFL draft orderNew York Giants: 2-12Las Vegas Raiders: 2-12Tennessee Titans: 2-12Cleveland Browns: 3-11New York Jets: 3-11Arizona Cardinals: 3-11New Orleans Saints: 4-10Washington Commanders: 4-10Cincinnati Bengals: 4-10

The Bengals close the season against the Dolphins, Cardinals and Browns, so each contest the rest of the way has major draft implications. 

At this point, it should go without saying, but in the top 10 or not, the focus of premium draft selections next offseason figures to center on the defensive side of the ball. 

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