Bengals Schedule: Way too early game-by-game predictions for 2022

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end B.J. Hill (92) celebrates a sack in the first quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Minnesota Vikings at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021. The Bengals led 14-7 at halftime.Minnesota Vikings At Cincinnati Bengals /

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Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /

Week 6 @ Saints (Oct. 16 — 1:00 EST)

The big storyline with this game is that it’ll be the return of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase to the state of Louisiana where they helped LSU win a National Championship in the 2019 college football season. Saints fans know where their loyalties stand, however, so don’t expect ovations for the two Bengals stars during the actual game.

The Saints have a new head coach this year, as Dennis Allen is running the show and they’re giving Jameis Winston another shot to prove he can be their quarterback. The Bengals have the head coach and quarterback advantage for this matchup and it should result in a big road victory.

Prediction: Bengals win 21-14 (4-2)

Week 7 vs. Falcons (1:00 EST)

The following week, Cincinnati returns to Paul Brown Stadium for a date with the Falcons. Atlanta did not play well in the 2021 season and aren’t expected to be much better in 2022. They traded away Matt Ryan, signed Marcus Mariota, and took Drake London with the eighth overall pick.

With how bad Atlanta’s defense was last season, the Bengals should be able to win this one in blowout fashion.

Prediction: Bengals win 42-17 (5-2)