The Cincinnati Bengals and star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who once again delivered a Madden-like performance on Thursday Night Football, couldn’t reach a contract extension before the season began, leading to Chase’s “hold-in,” which kept him out of preseason action.
Despite the contractual standoff, Chase’s on-field performance hasn’t suffered. Heading into Week 10, he leads all receivers in nearly every major category. He’s on pace to finish the season with career highs: 119 receptions, 1,766 yards, and 18 touchdowns. This puts him in contention for AP Offensive Player of the Year and, with a bit of luck, could even place him in the conversation as one of the rare non-quarterback candidates for NFL MVP.