The NFL released the complete regular season schedule this past Thursday. Only two teams have an easier strength of schedule than the Bengals (the Texans and Titans). The Bengals will not play in a prime time game on Monday night or Sunday night in 2018 and only have 1 prime time game during the season, a Thursday night home game against the Baltimore Ravens on September 13th.
Week 1 – 9/9, at Indianapolis Colts, 1pm ET
I predict that Andrew Luck will have some rust to shake off if this is his first game back since 2016. Result: WIN Record: 1-0
Week 2 – 9/13, vs Baltimore Ravens, 8:20pm ET
The Bengals home opener is their only prime time game of the season. Given that fact and how badly the Bengals played in their home opener last season against the Ravens (they were shutout 20-0) I think the Bengals find a way to win. Result: WIN Record: 2-0
Week 3 – 9/23, at Carolina Panthers, 1pm ET
The last time these two teams played it ended in a 37-37 tie. I predict a close game but give the Panthers the edge at home. Result: Loss Record: 2-1
Week 4 – 9/30, at Atlanta Falcons, 1pm ET
I think the Falcons will be a playoff caliber team in 2018 and the Bengals will struggle against Matty Ice and his weapons on the road. Result: Loss Record: 2-2
Week 5 – 10/7, vs Miami Dolphins, 1pm ET
I think the Dolpins will deal with inconsistencies at the quarterback position again in 2018 and I think the Bengals will be the better team. Result: WIN Record: 3-2
Week 6 – 10/14, vs Pittsburgh Steelers, 1pm ET
It’ll be a dog fight but Marvin Lewis’ team does not usually come out on top in these games. Result: Loss Record: 3-3
Week 7 – 10/21, at Kansas City Chiefs, 1pm ET
The Bengals do not catch any breaks after Steelers week and face a tough Chiefs team on the road. Result: Loss Record: 3-4
Week 8 – 10/28, vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1pm ET
I like the Bengals in this matchup at home against an uncommon opponent. Result: WIN Record: 4-4
Week 9 – BYE
Week 10 – 11/11, vs New Orleans Saints, 1pm ET
Another home game against another uncommon opponent but I predict the Bengals to lose in OT against Brees and Kamara. Result: Loss Record: 4-5
Week 11 – 11/18, at Baltimore Ravens, 1pm ET
I really think the Ravens will be just an average team in 2018, great defense but subpar on the offensive side. The Bengals usually play the Ravens close in Baltimore. Result: WIN Record: 5-5
Week 12 – 11/25, vs Cleveland Browns, 1pm ET
The Browns will improve in 2018 but I think they finish with 3-4 wins but one of those will not be in The Jungle. Result: WIN Record: 6-5
Week 13 – 12/2, vs Denver Broncos, 1pm ET
I think this game could be a low scoring affair with two QBs trying to conservatively manage the game against two solid defenses. I give the edge to Cincy at home by a field goal. Result: WIN Record: 7-5
Week 14 – 12/9, at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05pm ET
The Bengals used to really struggle playing on the west coast. Although they have had better success in recent years I think the Chargers are an improving team and pull this one out at home in LA. Result: Loss Record: 7-6
Week 15 – 12/16, vs Oakland Raiders, 1pm ET
The Bengals will have something to prove at home against the Raiders with DC Paul Guenther coming to Cincy to coach against his former team. I think the Bengals will show well. Result: WIN Record: 8-6
Week 16 – 12/23, at Cleveland Browns, 1pm ET
It will be a close game in Cleveland but I still like the Bengals to edge the Browns. Result: WIN Record: 9-6
Week 17 – 12/30, at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1pm ET
With a potential playoff berth on the line, this game is huge. The Bengals find a way to win by a field goal to sneak into the post-season. Result: WIN Record: 10-6
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