It’s about that time, Cincinnati Bengals fans. As we are all gearing up for the start of the NFL regular season, fans have all looked at Cincinnati’s schedule. They’ve got some layups, and they’ve got some difficult matchups. No matter how difficult fans think the teams schedule is, everyone has high expectations for this squad.
Here is a week-to-week score prediction for the Bengals’ 2022 season:
WEEK 1: Pittsburgh Steelers (HOME)
Is there a better way to start your season than beating a rival in your home stadium? The Bengals will win fairly easy in the first regular season game played in Paycor Stadium. Minkah Fitzpatrick is a very good safety, but this Bengals receiving core has too much firepower for the Steelers secondary to keep up with.
Final Score: Bengals 27, Steelers 13
WEEK 2: Dallas Cowboys (AWAY)
Going to Dallas this early in the season won’t be easy, but I expect this Cowboys team to take a step back this season. Trevon Diggs will have his hands full in this one with Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, and expect La’El Collins to be extra motivated for a pancake block or two.
Final Score: Bengals 31, Cowboys 27
WEEK 3: New York Jets (AWAY)
Everyone say a prayer that Mike White does not step on the field in this one. White is the only thing that could keep this Bengals team from revenge in New York. Losing to the Jets last year was an embarrassing one; it’s not going to happen again.
Final Score: Bengals 34, Jets 13
WEEK 4: Miami Dolphins (HOME)
After winning their first three games, the Bengals now get the chance to debut the white tiger uniforms on Thursday Night Football. No matter how solid this Dolphins team looks to start the season, this game belongs to Cincinnati.
Final Score: Bengals 24, Dolphins 20
WEEK 5: Baltimore Ravens (AWAY)
The Bengals embarrassed the Ravens twice last season; expect this Baltimore team to be playing with a chip on their shoulder in front of their home crowd.
Final Score: Ravens 26, Bengals 24
WEEK 6: New Orleans Saints (AWAY)
This would have been such a great primetime game, but let’s be thankful that this game is not being played in London. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase will make their return to Louisiana and put on a show.
Final Score: Bengals 30, Saints 20
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WEEK 7: Atlanta Falcons (HOME)
A win will always be entertaining, but there’s not much going on in this matchup. There’s a chance that Desmond Ridder could be the starter for the Falcons by this point, but it won’t matter who is under center in this one.
Final Score: Bengals 41, Falcons 13
WEEK 8: Cleveland Browns (AWAY)
No Watson, no win. Joe Burrow has yet to beat the Cleveland Browns in his career; he’ll get it done on Monday Night Football on Halloween.
Final Score: Bengals 20, Browns 13
WEEK 9: Carolina Panthers (HOME)
If Baker Mayfield is the starter for the Panthers at this point of the season, this game will be interesting. Baker really likes to play well in Cincinnati, so this game screams trap. Overall, Cincinnati’s talent will prevail.
Final Score: Bengals 24, Panthers 23
WEEK 10: BYE
WEEK 11: Pittsburgh Steelers (AWAY)
Sweeping the Steelers sure did feel great last season; why not make it two years in a row? Coming off a bye week gives the Bengals the perfect amount of time to head into Hein… sorry, Acrisure Stadium.
Final Score: Bengals 23, Steelers 9
WEEK 12: Tennessee Titans (AWAY)
The Titans will be out for blood in this one. After the Bengals ended their season in a playoff matchup last season, the Titans haven’t done much to improve their roster; expect this one to be close. In the end, the Bengals’ run defense will step up again, and the Bengals will win a close one.
Final Score: Bengals 17, Titans 13
WEEK 13: Kansas City Chiefs (HOME)
Much like the previous week, the Chiefs will be looking for revenge after the Bengals swept them last season. This one will be a shoot-out.
Final Score: Chiefs 38, Bengals 31
WEEK 14: Cleveland Browns (HOME)
There is no doubt in any fan’s mind that Paycor Stadium will be absolutely rocking for this one. In Deshaun Watson’s first game in Cincinnati, expect the boo birds to be flying at ease. Unfortunately for the Bengals, the Browns might be entering must-win territory at this point in their season; teams perform well when their back is against the wall.
Final Score: Browns 27, Bengals 24
WEEK 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (AWAY)
The long-awaited Joe Burrow vs. Tom Brady matchup finally comes to life. In a surprise to most people heading into this season, Joe Burrow will likely have the better offensive line at this point in the season. Home-field advantage will play a toll in this one, but this Bengals team is simply too good to lose three games in a row.
Final Score: Bengals 34, Buccaneers 30
WEEK 16: New England Patriots (AWAY)
When the preseason spreads came out a couple of weeks ago, many fans were shocked to see that the Bengals were underdogs heading into this matchup. Yes, Bill Belichick is one of the greatest coaches of all time. Yes, Foxborough is a touch place to play late in the season, but let’s take a second to truly look at this Patriots roster. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard; unfortunately for the Patriots, this Bengals team works pretty dang hard.
Final Score: Bengals 27, Patriots 16
WEEK 17: Buffalo Bills (HOME)
Sitting at 12-3, the Bengals may have the division locked up at this point, but there is no way the Bengals will get complacent here. Arguably the two best teams in the AFC squaring off on Monday Night Football to kick off the new year; Josh Allen vs. Joe Burrow is must-see TV. At the end of the day, the Bengals fall short to an excellent Bills team.
Final Score: Bills 31, Bengals 27
WEEK 18: Baltimore Ravens (HOME)
Now at 12-4, the division will likely still belong to Cincinnati. Unless they are assured that they have a Bye week to start the playoffs, expect the starters to rest here.
Final Score: Ravens 28, Bengals 16
Record: 12-5
Final Note:
At 12-5, Cincinnati likely puts themselves in the position not only to host a playoff game but the opportunity to host multiple. 12 wins is not a reach by any means, as fans are all expecting this team to only get better from last season.