Ja'Marr Chase enters the 2026 NFL season as the focal point of the Bengals' pass-heavy attack alongside quarterback Joe Burrow, with the duo ranked among the league's top pairings entering the year. Chase is trending toward playing Week 1 after hyperextending his left knee in late August training camp, with coach Zac Taylor noting positive progress and limited participation expected during the week. High target volume has defined recent seasons, and Cincinnati's scheme plus Burrow's availability remain the primary drivers of Chase's red-zone opportunities and touchdown output across a full 17-game schedule. A healthy Burrow-Chase connection has historically produced elite production, though touchdown totals can fluctuate with defensive schemes, team scoring pace, and situational usage even in high-volume offenses.