Bengals' x-factor for 2025 NFL season flying under the radar

When it comes to x-factors in 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals have a few who come to mind.

Think, someone like rookie Demetrius Knight being able to step in and help on the defense right away. Or the front office when it comes to solving the contract standoffs with both Trey Hendrickson and rookie Shemar Stewart.

Somewhat joking about the front office aside, another key x-factor is second-year offensive tackle Amarius Mims, who just found himself spotlighted as such by Pro Football Focus' Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman:

"The Bengals had the second-lowest-graded offensive line in the league, finishing above only the Patriots. The unit remains mostly the same from 2024, and the player whom most are expecting to make a jump is right tackle Amarius Mims. The 2024 first-round pick mostly had a rookie season to forget, placing 67th among all tackles with a 57.8 PFF overall grade. If he doesn’t experience a sophomore breakout, Cincinnati’s offensive line could struggle mightily once again."

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The Bengals are certainly counting on Mims to make a second-year leap and stay on the field. They could also trot out two new starters at guard with free-agent arrival Lucas Patrick and rookie Dylan Fairchild.

Arguably more than anything, the Bengals hope that a new-look coaching staff overseeing the offensive trenches offers a big solution too, helping to get the most out of their guys while finally developing some of their own draft picks properly.

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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals' x-factor for 2025 NFL season flying under the radar