Cincinnati Bengals 2024 Game-By-Game Record Prediction
The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to return as Super Bowl contenders in a loaded AFC this season. Quarterback Joe Burrow is coming back from a wrist injury that sidelined him in Week 11 last season. Cincinnati finished the 2023 campaign with a 9-8 record, last in the AFC North, and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Will the Bengals be able to make a return to post-season football? It won't be easy, as they play arguably the most competitive division in football and have matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Dallas Cowboys. Here's a game-by-game prediction of how the 2024 Cincinnati Bengals season will play out.
Week One: Vs. New England Patriots
If you're the Cincinnati Bengals, you couldn't ask for a better opening-week opponent. While I believe Drake Maye will eventually become a good NFL quarterback, it will take some time. Going on the road to Cincinnati in Week One is a tough ask for this Patriots team. I like the Bengals in this one.
Bengals Record: 1-0
Week Two: At Kansas City Chiefs
The last time these two teams met was in Week 17 of last season. Burrow watched that game on the sidelines while Jake Browning threw for 197 yards and a touchdown. Hopefully, This meeting will feature a healthy Joe Burrow and an electric Patrick Mahomes. The Bengals have lost in their last two trips to Arrowhead Stadium, and they'll lose again in Week Two.
Bengals Record: 1-1
Week Three: Vs. Washington Commanders
The first prime-time game for the Bengals in 2024 comes in Week Three when they host the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football. This is the first time since 2020 that these two teams will face off. Washington won that previous matchup 20-9. Obviously, a lot has changed since that game. The Bengals have gone to two conference championships and a Super Bowl, while Washington has failed to have a winning record. I believe the Bengals' defense will dominate under the lights and get their second win of the season.
Bengals Record: 2-1
Week Four: At Carolina Panthers
The 2023 season was one giant nightmare for Carolina Panthers fans. The team finished with a league-worst 2-15 record and was without its first-round pick thanks to trading up for quarterback Bryce Young last offseason. I expect the Panthers to be better this season, but they're still not on the same level as the Bengals. Cincinnati should win this game in a blowout.
Bengals Record: 3-1
Week Five: Vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Bengals' first divisional opponent comes in Week Five: Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar is 8-2 all-time against Cincinnati, and the Ravens have won three of the last four meetings. This should be an exciting game with lots of scoring. In the end, it's the Bengals who steal a last-second victory.
Bengals Record: 4-1
Week Six: At New York Giants
I find this to be an intriguing Sunday Night Football matchup. It's two teams that don't see each other often, and the Giants could be a tough club to watch this season. The Bengals have the better quarterback, wide receivers, and roster overall. While I could see Kayvon Thibodeaux getting pressure on Burrow, it's not enough to slow down a rolling Cincinnati squad.
Bengals Record: 5-1
Week Seven: At Cleveland Browns
The Browns and Bengals have split the season series the last two years, with the Bengals winning the most recent meeting 31-14. The Browns defense puts a lot of pressure on Burrow, and after winning four in a row, the Bengals come crashing back down to earth in Week Seven, losing on the road in Cleveland.
Bengals Record: 5-2
Week Eight: Vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Two teams who have done a lot of winning in the past three years meet in Week Eight of the 2024 season. The Eagles embarrassingly fell apart at the end of last season, but make no mistake, Philadelphia is still a good football team. This game should be one of the best of the week, and it's in the late window, which means many eyes will be on it. I have the Bengals narrowly winning.
Bengals Record: 6-2
Week Nine: Vs. Las Vegas Raiders
This is the third time in four seasons that the Bengals will face the Las Vegas Raiders. Cincinnati has won the last two meetings, including a 26-19 victory in the Wild Card playoff round in 2022. The Raiders have a massive question mark at quarterback and probably won't see much improvement from last season. The Bengals win at home against a lesser opponent.
Bengals Record: 7-2
Week 10: At Baltimore Ravens
The Bengals beat the Ravens in their first meeting of the season; this time, Baltimore is victorious. As mentioned earlier, Lamar Jackson has played well against the Bengals, and it's unlikely that Cincinnati will be able to win both games against a serious AFC contender. This is the Bengals' third loss of the 2024 season.
Bengals Record: 7-3
Week 11: At Los Angeles Chargers
It's time to see what Justin Herbert is really made of. The 26-year-old is entering his fifth NFL season, and he's now on his third head coach as Jim Harbaugh makes his return to professional football. The truth is, I don't trust the supporting cast around Herbert. L.A. will be good, not great, and the Bengals will bounce back from last week's loss.
Bengals Record: 8-3
Week 12: BYE Week
Following the win over the Chargers, the Bengals will head into their BYE week in Week 12. This is later in the year than last year when Cincinnati was off in Week Seven. Having the break later in the year could give some players a chance to rest and heal from nagging injuries.
Week 13: Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Cincinnati returns from BYE week to host a familiar AFC North foe: the Pittsburgh Steelers. At this point in the season, either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields could be the Steelers' starting quarterback. I don't think it matters who starts behind center. The Bengals have plenty of time to prepare for this game, and they'll emerge with their ninth win of the year.
Bengals Record: 9-3
Week 14: At Dallas Cowboys
The last time the Cowboys and Bengals squared off, Dallas won on a 50-yard Brett Maher field goal. If all the star players are healthy for both teams, this game will be a can't-miss T.V. event. While it won't be easy on the road, I have Cincinnati picking up their 10th win of the season at AT&T Stadium.
Bengals Record: 10-3
Week 15: At Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans might be the worst team in the NFL during the 2024 season. Mike Vrabel is out as head coach, Derrick Henry is with the Ravens, and for the first time since 2019, the Titans are betting on a quarterback not named Ryan Tannehill. While Will Levis showed some flashes of potential last year, Tennessee's roster isn't as talented as the Bengals. Cincinnati gets an easy win on the road.
Bengals Record: 11-3
Week 16: Vs. Cleveland Browns
The Browns beat the Bengals at home in Week Seven, but I don't expect the same to happen in the second meeting between these two squads. At this point in the season, the Bengals are rolling. Burrow is a candidate for the Most Valuable Player award, and the defense is holding opposing offenses in check. Bengals fans leave Paycor Stadium feeling good after a win over the Browns.
Bengals Record: 12-3
Week 17: Vs. Denver Broncos
There are a lot of questions surrounding the Denver Broncos this year, including at the most crucial position in the sport. Will Bo Nix become a reliable starting Q.B. in the NFL? Could Jarrett Stidham be the Broncos starter? How about Zac Wilson? Maybe he could revive his career in Denver. The Bengals win at home over the Broncos regardless of the opposing quarterback.
Bengals Record: 13-3
Week 18: At Pittsburgh Steelers
By Week 18, the Bengals have secured the AFC North. They're second in the AFC, behind only the Kansas City Chiefs, with no chance to move up. Therefore, Zac Taylor opts to rest most of his starters and get them some rest before the Wild Card round. Pittsburgh gets a feel-good win to end their season.
Cincinnati finishes the regular season 13-4. It would be their best regular season on record, potentially leading to a Super Bowl Championship.
Bengals Final Record: 13-4
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