Sportsnaut
The Cincinnati Bengals finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season, with a slow start once again plaguing the team. Unfortunately for the team and fan base, the Bengals’ schedule in 2025 sets them up pretty unfavorably. However, Joe Burrow and Co. have demonstrated they can turn things around.
Let’s dive into our game-by-game Bengals schedule predictions.
It will be a season-opening win for the Bengals. While Myles Garrett poses problems for Cincinnati’s offensive line, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are the equalizers out wide. The Bengals attack the Browns’ cornerbacks and the middle of the field, allowing Cincinnati to open the season with an intradivision road win.
If the matchup came later in the season, when the Jacksonville Jaguars have more time in their new offensive and defensive schemes, this might be a different result. However, Cincinnati will be able to take advantage of some early coverage lapses from the Jaguars’ secondary. Travis Hunter will have a strong performance, but Burrow and Co. capitalize on Jacksonville’s mistake to secure the victory.
This is the gauntlet portion of the Bengals schedule. Of these upcoming matchups, however, this is the most favorable of the draws. The Minnesota Vikings secondary is a legitimate concern, so the real question will be whether or not the Bengals’ offensive line can hold off an elite pass rush to let Burrow take advantage. Cincinnati does also face an inexperienced quarterback in J.J. McCarthy, giving it a bit of help. Ultimately, we think the superior roster and coaching staff pull out the win.
It’s very difficult to see Cincinnati pulling out the win here. The Denver Broncos secondary is arguably the best in the NFL and this defense as a unit could be even better than it was last season. We also anticipate real second-year improvements from quarterback Bo Nix in Sean Payton’s scheme. Burrow gives the Bengals a chance in every game, but the firepower on the Broncos’ defense and how well-coached the offense is are the deciding factors.
Related: Best NFL Rosters 2025, including the Bengals
For the second consecutive season, it’s a three-game losing streak early for Cincinnati. The new-look interior of the Detroit Lions offense should have settled in by this point and they roster one of the most talented defenses in the league. Chase and Higgins will still get theirs against the Lions’ secondary, helping Burrow keep it a one-score game. In the end, though, this will be a Lions win in a game they largely control from start to finish.
