It is a new era for the Cincinnati Bengals, who drafted Joe Burrow No. 1 overall earlier this spring and then cut ties with longtime quarterback Andy Dalton. Expectations remain low for the Bengals, but they should be able to improve on their measly two victories from 2019…right?
The schedule is hardly difficult. That factor combined with Burrow’s arrival should instill at least some hope in the Cincinnati fanbase. Breaking it down the game by game, there appear to be some opportunities for the Bengals to pick up the occasional win.
Week 1: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers appear to be on the way down, whereas the Bengals may be on the way up if for no other reason that they can’t possibly get any worse. At home, this is a rare winnable game. Win
Week 2: @ Cleveland Browns
Cincinnati takes to the road for two in a row following its home opener and that will likely prove to be a much different story. Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb should be able to have their way. Loss
Week 3: @ Philadelphia Eagles
If Carson Wentz is still healthy in Week 3, this will not be competitive. In fact, even if Wentz isn’t healthy in Week 3 and Jalen Hurts is under center this still will not be competitive. Loss
Week 4: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
It does not get much easier than a home date with the Jaguars. Everyone wants to play against the AFC South and the Bengals will at least be good enough to beat one of those four opponents. Win
Week 5: @ Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati goes from the easiest game of its schedule straight into the toughest. Baltimore was the best team in the business last year (until the playoffs) and more of the same could continue. Loss
Week 6: @ Indianapolis Colts
The Bengals are sporting a new quarterback in the form of a rookie; the Colts are sporting a new quarterback in the form of a 16-year veteran. The edge here goes to experience. Loss
Week 7: vs. Cleveland Browns
Although the Bengals are not going to prevail in Cleveland, they will have a much better chance five weeks later in Cincinnati. The Browns, as usual, are sure to endure some bad losses. Win
Week 8: vs. Tennessee Titans
It does not matter where the Bengals face Tennessee; they are simply not going to win. Ryan Tannehill has become a solid if unspectacular QB and Derrick Henry is an absolute horse. Loss
Week 9: BYE
Week 10: @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Cincinnati emerges from its bye week with two consecutive road contests, the first of which appears to be especially difficult. If Ben Roethlisberger is still on the field at this point for Pittsburgh, it’s over for the visitors. Loss
Week 11: @ Washington Redskins
A road victory here is much more realistic possibility for the Bengals…but it probably won’t happen. Washington boasts a highly touted rookie of its own in defensive end Chase Young and a new head coach in Ron Rivera. Loss
Week 12: vs. New York Giants
I have the Bengals winning a grand total of zero road games in 2020. I have the Giants winning exactly one—and this is it. Of Cincinnati’s many setbacks this season, at least some will be bad. Loss
Week 13: @ Miami Dolphins
With seven playoff teams per conference now, the Dolphins could definitely contend. With the New England Patriots weakened, they could even contend for the AFC East crown. Loss
Week 14: vs. Dallas Cowboys
How good will Dallas be in year one under head coach Mike McCarthy? Perhaps nothing to write home about, but surely good enough to take care of business against Cincinnati regardless of location. Loss
Week 15: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
As they are accustomed to, the Bengals will get swept by the two best teams in the AFC North. They will have long since been mathematically eliminated and may not be overly enthused. Loss
Week 16: @ Houston Texans
Following a respectable 3-4 start, the Bengals’ schedule becomes tougher and they will remember that they are the Bengals. An epic losing streak continues even against a mediocre-at-best Houston squad. Loss
Week 17: vs. Baltimore Ravens
This will be a loss, of course, if the game matters for the Ravens. But they may have locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC by this point and Cincinnati will have its eyes on another high draft pick. Win
Four wins may not be a lot for most NFL teams, but the Cincinnati Bengals are not most NFL teams. They are coming off a 2-14 campaign and they have not enjoyed a winning season since 2015. Heck, they have not won a single playoff game since 1990. Burrow may be able to engineer a few victories thanks in part to an easy schedule, but let’s not get carried away just yet.
