If I had to put this season into two words for Cincy, I’d say: All In. Between the free agency adds of Bryan Cook, Dalton Risner, etc, and the blockbuster trade for Dexter Lawrence. The Bengals FO set the tone for this season. With a healthy Joe Burrow, this team has no limits. Let’s dive into what I think this year has in store for the Bengals.
Week 1: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Sunday, Sept 13 (1:00 p.m. ET)
The Week 1 Bengals are terrifying for all Cincy fans, as they are known to come out rusty. The Buccaneers are a tough squad who won’t go down without a fight. I could see this game being extremely close. This offseason, though, has been relatively drama free compared to the last couple of years. Overall, the change in tone from the entire organization should light a fire under the team.
Bengals win 24-14 (1-0)
Week 2: at Houston Texans — Sunday, Sept 20 (1:00 p.m. ET)
This is another tough early match-up, and it will serve as the Bengals’ first road test of the year. The Texans’ defense is incredibly strong and they are coming off a divisional round appearance this past season. Cincinnati will have to be on their A-game to steal this road win. However, I don’t think the squad will be fully clicking quite yet.
Texans win 27-24 (1-1)
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Week 3: at Pittsburgh Steelers — Sunday, Sept 27 (1:00 p.m. ET)
Yet another big test for Cincinnati, as a road divisional matchup is always tough. Although Pittsburgh is no longer under the coaching of Mike Tomlin. With a new coach and respectfully, a “washed up” Aaron Rodgers, this is a game the Bengals should win.
Bengals win 30-21 (2-1)
Week 4: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars — Sunday, Oct 4 (1:00 p.m. ET)
After a two-week road stretch, the Bengals are back home. Jacksonville is another solid team, as the start of Cincy’s season isn’t easy. The Who Dey chants will be loud and rowdy as their team is off to their best start in a few years. (Last year they went 2-1 as well, but Joe Burrow was gone). The crowd wills them to a 3-1 start.
Bengals win 17-14 (3-1)
Week 5: at Miami Dolphins — Sunday, Oct 11 (1:00 p.m. ET)
Finally, a break in the high-level games. The Dolphins are projected as one of the worst teams in the league. Therefore, this is a game that should be easily won in Miami.
Bengals win 41-17 (4-1)
Week 6: Bye Week
Week 7: at Baltimore Ravens — Sunday, Oct 25 (1:00 p.m. ET)
Coming off the bye, this is arguably the toughest game on the schedule. Lamar Jackson will still be healthy and this could be the game of the year. I see this game as a toss-up, but I’ll give it to Baltimore as they are the home team.
Ravens win 31-28 (4-2)
Week 8: vs. Tennessee Titans — Sunday, Nov 1 (1:00 p.m. ET)
After a hard-fought battle with the Ravens, Cincy was given an easier game with a young Titans squad. They will take care of business at home.
Bengals win 33-14 (5-2)
Week 9: vs. Atlanta Falcons (Madrid, Spain) — Sunday, Nov 8 (9:30 a.m. ET)
Week 9 has all Cincy fans thrilled, as they get to play the lone NFL game in Spain. They should impress the Spaniards, as the Bengals are the superior team to the Falcons.
Bengals win 24-17 (6-2)
Week 10: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers — Sunday, Nov 15 (8:20 p.m. ET)
Finally, Cincy gets a prime-time game. This is an ideal one, it’s a crisp and cool Sunday night, the Bengals are 6-2, Mike Tirico is on the call and everyone is pumped. However, the Bengals don’t look prepared at all. The international travel has slowed them down. The villains come into Paycor and steal one.
Steelers win 28-24 (6-3)
Week 11: at Washington Commanders — Monday, Nov 23 (8:15 p.m. ET)
Back-to-back prime-time games, this time it’s on the road in D.C. The Commanders are a bit of a question mark this season, as no one knows how good they will be. By the time this game is played, it will be known. For right now, I’m going to err on the side of caution and say they will struggle.
Bengals win 34-24 (7-3)
Week 12: vs. New Orleans Saints — Sunday, Nov 29 (1:00 p.m. ET)
Cincinnati’s schedule has finally lightened up a bit, with another weak home match-up. The Saints are in rebuild mode and will not be a threat this year.
Bengals win 38-10 (8-3)
Week 13: at Cleveland Browns — Sunday, Dec 6 (1:00 p.m. ET)
The Browns are clearly in rebuild mode after the Myles Garrett trade. They haven’t decided on a starting QB and are lacking serious talent on their squad.
Bengals win 23-7 (9-3)
Week 14: vs. Kansas City Chiefs — Sunday, Dec 13 (4:25 p.m. ET)
The return of the rivalry is here. The city of Cincinnati is salivating at the thought of the Chiefs back in the Queen City. These two teams have a passionate hatred for each other and this will be an all-out battle. Kansas City struggles to win in Cincy and I believe this will continue.
Bengals win 37-31 (10-3)
Week 15: at Carolina Panthers — Sunday, Dec 20 (1:00 p.m. ET)
The Panthers are a team that will be slept on by everyone, including the Bengals. Cincinnati will be feeling unstoppable after the KC win, and they will look past this game. Carolina will upset them and bring them back to their senses.
Panthers win 31-28 (10-4)
Week 16: at Indianapolis Colts — Saturday or Sunday, Dec 26–27 (Time TBD)
After last week’s wake-up call, the Bengals will be all over the Colts. However, they must be careful to not look ahead to next week’s duel with the Ravens.
Bengals win 29-17 (11-4)
Week 17: vs. Baltimore Ravens — Thursday, Dec 31 (8:15 p.m. ET)
This game will be HUGE, as it could be the decider for the AFC North title. It is also prime-time football on New Year’s Eve, everyone will be tuned into this one. I gave the Ravens the first meeting, so it’s only right Cincy takes this one at home.
Bengals win 41-38 (12-4)
Week 18: vs. Cleveland Browns — Saturday or Sunday, Jan 9–10, 2027 (Time TBD)
If Cincinnati has the division locked up, they will rock with their backups. This game should be pointless, but the Bengals will win it if they need to.
Bengals win 21-17 (13-4).
As you can see, this season has big things in store for the Bengals. A healthy Bengals team means no limits. After the regular season, the goal of this squad will be the Super Bowl. If I were a Cincy fan, I would be thrilled for this year.
Drop your predictions for this year in the comments below!