Macon, Ga. — Hello for the first time in a while! How are you all doing? You may be wondering why the dateline says Macon, Ga. Well, life gave me an opportunity to grow professionally and personally, and I leaped at it. For the past three months, I have been working as a news producer at WGXA News here in Macon. It’s been three months that have been difficult, but have been really valuable.
That said, I haven’t lost sight of my Cincinnati roots one bit, especially my fandom for the Cincinnati Bengals. In fact, my fandom has only gotten bigger since moving down here to Georgia. To be able to tell people about where I’m from and the team I root for- the team my family has had season tickets to since 1968- has been really special. And the best part is, every weekend I wear my Joe Burrow jersey around Macon and Charleston, South Carolina, and many people give me comments and even shout out a Who Dey!. You know what that means? People are taking notice. The Bengals are gaining popularity around the country.
It’s never been more exciting to be a Cincinnati Bengals fan. We are truly entering a new era of this franchise. All the old narratives that hovered over the organization for 30+ years have vanished. Now, the possibilities for this franchise feel endless.
The Bengals released their 2022 schedule last Thursday, and I could not be more excited. Five prime time games, three additional games in the 4:25 CBS window, opening the season and AFC title defense at home against Pittsburgh, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase’s homecoming to New Orleans… can we just get the season started already?!
If only we could. But we will get it started Sunday, September 11th when the Bengals begin their journey towards a repeat AFC championship, and just maybe a Super Bowl championship, when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers with all the old Bengals-Steelers narratives vanished to a galaxy far, far away.
Below is a breakdown of every game on the schedule, as well as my score predictions for all 17 games.
Week 1: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – 1 p.m. on CBS
I can’t think of a better way to start the season than at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This will be the first time Bengals fans get to see a regular-season or postseason home game since the Bengals reversed the curse in ending a 31-year drought without a playoff win. And if you remember how loud the crowd was that playoff game, that’s what it will be like week one.
Think about it. The Bengals are coming off an AFC Championship. Joe Burrow is the most popular man in Cincinnati. Ja’Marr Chase is a star. And all the old narratives surrounding this team now cease to exist. That includes the old narrative of the Steelers being the Bengals BIG brother.
Now, there will still be Steelers fans in attendance at this game, and they will add to the electric atmosphere this game will have. But I don’t anticipate 25 percent of the Paul Brown Stadium crowd being Steelers fans with their, literally, Terrible Towels. That’s another narrative of the past: droves of Steelers fans in the Paul Brown Stadium crowd.
The Bengals swept the Steelers last year by a combined score of 65-20. A big part of those two victories was the Bengals defense picking off former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger- man it feels good to say that- four times. Pittsburgh will feature a new starting quarterback this year, perhaps rookie first round draft pick Kenny Pickett.
But regardless of who starts at quarterback for Pittsburgh, the Bengals are simply the better team. It showed in the two games last year between these two teams, and it will show again in week one this upcoming season. The only thing I hope is Joe Burrow runs out onto the field with an American Flag during team introductions, with the game being on 9/11. I can only imagine what that would be like.
Game pick: Bengals 38 Steelers 20
Week 2: @ Dallas Cowboys – 4:25 p.m. on CBS
I like that this game is early in the season, especially since that’s when Dallas is in peak form.
This game is packed with storylines. Joe Burrow won the AP Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2021, but it can be argued the award could have gone to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Both quarterbacks had spectacular seasons coming off devastating injuries in 2020, and they both led to their teams to division titles in 2021.
The Bengals biggest free agent signing this offseason was offensive tackle La’El Collins… from the Cowboys. Collins has already told Joe Burrow his bodyguard is now in Cincinnati, and what opportunity to show that than against his former team. Speaking of former team, offensive line coach Frank Pollack makes his first trip to Dallas since leaving the Cowboys after the 2017 season. Also making his first trip to Dallas since leaving the Cowboys is Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, and he and cornerback teammate Mike Hilton were Pro Football Focus’s top two graded corners in man coverage last season.
The game itself should be great. Both teams are solid across the board. Even after losing wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Browns, the Cowboys are coming off a season in which they led the NFL in both scoring and total offense. In addition, their defense had a revival thanks to a strong pass rush anchored by linebacker Micah Parsons, who was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, and cornerback Trevon Diggs leading the league with 11 interceptions.
But as is always the question with Dallas: They have all this talent, but can it lead to wins in marquee games like this one? And I’ll add this; there’s two players the Bengals have on their team that gives me confidence they will win this game: Joe Burrow, and kicker Evan McPherson.
Game pick: Bengals 27 Cowboys 24 (Evan McPherson from 41 yards as time expires)
Week 3: @ New York Jets – 1 p.m. on CBS
If there is anything this young, star-studded Bengals team learned last season, it’s to never underestimate any team in the league. They learned that with a 34-31 loss to the Jets in week eight. You know, that game where some quarterback named Mike White threw for 405 yards and three touchdowns.
The thing is, though, the Jets have actually improved this offseason, and it should show on the field this upcoming season. One of their offseason acquisitions includes former Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah. Add him to a stellar trio of first round draft picks, and the Jets will not be a laughingstock this season.
An interesting matchup to watch in this game will be Jets rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner matching up against the Bengals receivers. Gardner did not allow a touchdown in his entire three-year college career with the Cincinnati Bearcats. But will he able to live up to that level in the NFL, especially against these Bengals receivers?
I think this game will be close throughout. But in the end, the Bengals will pull away late.
Game pick: Bengals 31 Jets 20
Week 4: vs. Miami Dolphins – Thursday Night Football (8:15 p.m. on Amazon Prime Video)
I like that this game is in prime time. This is a really good matchup, and I believe this can be a really good game. On top of it all, this is the first Burrow-Tua matchup in the NFL. And if this matchup is anything like the one we saw in 2019 when they were quarterbacking LSU and Alabama, then we’re in for a treat.
The Dolphins had one of the most productive offseasons in the NFL, and their moves signal they’re giving quarterback Tua Tagovailoa every chance to make a huge leap this season. Trading for wide receiver Tyreek Hill put them on the map. Now pair him with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, and they may be the best wide receiving tandem in the league. Tua will also have an upgraded offensive line blocking in front of him with free agent signings in tackle Terron Armstead and guard Connor Williams.
Also new to the Dolphins this season is their head coach, Mike McDaniel. Previously the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, I think we will see some similar concepts in this offense that McDaniel coordinated in the Bay Area. Tyreek Hill can be to this offense what Deebo Samuel is to the 49ers- a hybrid wide receiver/running back, a yards-after-contact nightmare. Tight end Mike Gesicki can be to this offense what George Kittle is to the 49ers (remember Kittle absolutely carving up the Bengals defense last year?). Hopefully Gesicki won’t go off for 13 receptions and 157 yards in this game.
This is the first of five prime time games the Bengals will play this season. It also is a prime candidate to be the Ring of Honor Game, where the two newest members will join Paul Brown, Anthony Munoz, Ken Anderson and Ken Riley in the Bengals Ring of Honor. And if you remember how last year’s prime time game ended on an Evan McPherson game-winning field goal, you can bank on Money Mac hitting a game winner again in this game.
Game pick: Bengals 30 Dolphins 27 (Evan McPherson from 43 yards as time expires)
Week 5: @ Baltimore Ravens – Sunday Night Football (8:20 p.m. on NBC)
This is going to be a fun game, and what an incredible environment it will be at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
The Bengals obliterated the Ravens last year… twice. Both games weren’t even close. Joe Burrow was absolutely spectacular in both games, combining for 941 passing yards. And those 941 passing yards prompted a change at defensive coordinator for the Ravens. And now that they’re healthy on defense, they will have revenge on their minds the whole week leading up to this game.
When healthy, the Ravens are a really good team. I have always been a proponent of Lamar Jackson. He’s won an MVP, and he’s won 39 games since he took over midway through the 2018 season. You can criticize his arm, his accuracy, his lack of playoff success, whatever. The fact is he is an electrifying player who the entire Ravens offense runs through.
The Bengals win over the Ravens in week seven last season put them on the map. Now, we’ll get to see a vastly improved Bengals team play a healthy Ravens team, and that could make for an exciting matchup. A shootout. This could have the feel of an SEC game with the environment and these two teams.
You feel comfortable as a Bengals fan going into any game with Joe Burrow, this game included. But the one thing the Ravens have that scares me is kicker Justin Tucker. In a game that could come down to which team has the ball last, Bengals fans will be praying the Ravens don’t cross midfield if they do- yes, that’s how big Tucker’s leg is. And, unfortunately, I think that’s how this game is going to end.
Game pick: Ravens 34 Bengals 31 (Justin Tucker from 52 yards as time expires)
Week 6: @ New Orleans Saints – 1 p.m. on CBS
The big story here is Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase returning to Louisiana for the first time since leading LSU to a national championship in 2019.
The Saints are an interesting team. They don’t have a standout quarterback, but they have a lot of intriguing pieces. Those pieces include free agent signings wide receiver Jarvis Landry and safety Tyrann Matthieu.
Now, I say they don’t have a quarterback now. But Drew Brees did tweet last Sunday he may play football again, so…
Coming off a loss to the Ravens, though, I think the Bengals come out firing in Burrow and Chase’s homecoming.
Game pick: Bengals 42 Saints 14
Week 7: vs. Atlanta Falcons – 1 p.m. on FOX
This is one of two games the Bengals have to win. You can’t lose at home to a Falcons team that, yes, has a good roster. But come on, they’re not going anywhere this year. Unless rookie third round draft pick Desmond Ridder- I’ve heard of him- is starting by this week- he should be- the Falcons have no chance.
Game pick: Bengals 38 Falcons 17
Week 8: @ Cleveland Browns – Monday Night Football (8:15 p.m. on ESPN)
What an environment this will be. The Dawg Pound on Halloween.
The Browns, no doubt, made the splashiest free agent signing this offseason with quarterback DeShaun Watson. But will he even play in this game? And let’s not forget he hasn’t played since 2020. Then again, when he’s playing he’s a top 10 quarterback in the league. And his four-year pedigree in the league could make him the best quarterback in the AFC North heading into the season. Although, some cool dude wearing No. 9 might have something to say about that.
For whatever reason, the Browns beat the Bengals 41-16 in week nine last year. The Bengals swept both the Steelers and Ravens, but they were swept by the Browns. Huh! That’s weird. Could the Browns be a bad matchup for the Bengals? There’s certainly a strong case to be made, and I think that will prove to be the case here in this game.
Game pick: Browns 34 Bengals 24
Week 9: vs. Carolina Panthers – 1 p.m. on FOX
Another game the Bengals can’t afford to lose. I truly have no idea what direction the Carolina Panthers are going in. Who’s going to be starting at quarterback? Sure their defense is actually good- they allowed the second fewest yards per game in the NFL last year- but Joe Burrow can shred any defense.
Game pick: Bengals 38 Panthers 14
Week 10: BYE
Week 11: @ Pittsburgh Steelers – Sunday Night Football (8:20 p.m. on NBC)
Alright welcome back. Hope you got some rest during your bye week because these final eight games are no joke. And to start you off, we’re going to send you to Pittsburgh for a matchup on Sunday Night Football.
The good news for the Bengals in this game is, much like the matchup against Pittsburgh in week one, their talent will prevail. And it will also prove that Heinz Field is no longer a house of horrors for the Bengals.
Game pick: Bengals 27 Steelers 24 (Evan McPherson from 39 yards as time expires)
Week 12: @ Tennessee Titans – 1 p.m. on CBS
This might be the most interesting game on the schedule. First off, the placement of the game is interesting coming on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It will also be interesting to see how many Bengals fans make the trip over the holiday weekend.
The big storyline here is that this is a rematch of last year’s divisional round playoff game. Joe Burrow was sacked nine times- it felt like he was sacked every other play- and, yet, he was the last man standing. He led the Bengals to victory. Tennessee has to still be thinking how they lost even after recording NINE sacks.
While the Titans will have their defensive line again in this game, they won’t have wide receiver A.J. Brown. Brown torched the Bengals in the playoff game last year to the tune of five receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown.
Without Brown, outside of all-pro and other-worldly running Derrick Henry, what skill player on the Titans can be a problem for the Bengals?
With a much-improved offensive line, I expect the Bengals to have success on offense in this game. Combine that with a couple turnovers on defense- maybe three more interceptions from Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill- and the Bengals will be singing a winning tune once again in the Music City.
Game pick: Bengals 31 Titans 20
Week 13: vs. Kansas City Chiefs – 4:25 p.m. on CBS
Here we go. Early December marquee game. Much of the nation will be watching this game with a 4:25 kickoff. And this marks the third time this calendar year these two teams are playing each other.
I love how Patrick Mahomes is viewed as a better quarterback than Joe Burrow- that’s sarcastic in case you were wondering. His body of work is certainly better and more comprehensive, but right now is he really a better quarterback than Joe Burrow? Especially considering, fun fact, Burrow is 2-0 in his career against Patrick Mahomes.
The Bengals won’t have to contend with Tyreek Hill in this game, at least in the first half. Did Hill just forget to show up in the second half in both games in January? Oh that’s right! Lou Anarumo’s defense kept him from coming. I forgot about that- just kidding. 🙂 But one player who is still with the Chiefs is tight end Travis Kelce, and the Bengals recent history in covering tight ends doesn’t bode well for this matchup.
Both Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes are prolific quarterbacks, and this will be another fun matchup between the two gunslingers. My question is what wrinkle will Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo have up his sleeve for this matchup. I already know Ja’Marr Chase is going to make the Chiefs secondary look silly once again. I also know the game will, once again, come down to Money Mac.
Game pick: Bengals 34 Chiefs 31 (Evan McPherson from 46 yards as time expires)
Week 14: vs. Cleveland Browns – 1 p.m. on CBS
This is a not at the level of Atlanta and Carolina in terms of have to win, but this is a game the Bengals should win. This is the Browns at home, a game the Bengals should win even though they have lost three of the last four games against Cleveland at Paul Brown Stadium. This game could also have major implications on the AFC North title chase.
Game pick: Bengals 27 Browns 20
Week 15: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 4:25 p.m. on CBS
Burrow vs. Brady. When Tom Brady unretired back on March 13th, my first thought was Yes! We get to see this quarterback matchup!
This is the first time the Bengals are heading to Florida or California in December since 2015, so sign me up for a trip to Florida the week before Christmas!
This is also a unique interconference matchup this late in the season, and it could be a potential Super Bowl preview.
The Bengals proved last year they can play against, and beat, any team in the NFL. Tampa Bay remains one of the best teams in the league. There is talent on both sides of the ball. The one area, though, that is a question mark is their offensive line after losing two starters from last year, including right guard Alex Cappa signing with the Bengals in free agency.
I think this is a game where the team that has the ball last will win the game. Unfortunately, when Tom Brady has the ball last in a big game, it’s about as certain as death and taxes he’s going to lead the Buccaneers down the field to victory.
Game pick: Buccaneers 34 Bengals 31 (Ryan Succop from 30 yards as time expires)
Week 16: @ New England Patriots – 1 p.m. on CBS
I don’t love this matchup. This is the worst time to go to New England.
The Patriots are a wild card team heading into this season. They lost offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels when he took the Raiders head coaching job, and that could impact the development of second-year quarterback Mac Jones. And they don’t have any player on offense that stands out either.
But one thing that is sure with New England is their defense. Bill Belichick will have something up his sleeve to cover Ja’Marr Chase, and this will be Joe Burrow’s first time facing the greatest head coach of our generation.
I think this will be a low-scoring game, but I don’t love this matchup especially at this time of year.
Game pick: Patriots 24 Bengals 14
Week 17: vs. Buffalo Bills – Monday Night Football (8:30 p.m. on ESPN and ABC)
What a game to look forward to this season. This could be a heavyweight matchup between two AFC giants. It’s not far-fetched to think both the Bengals and Bills could both have at least 11 wins, and that could make this the biggest regular-season game in Bengals franchise history.
This game could very well feature some offensive fireworks, even with the game being played on January 2nd. Both teams have big-time quarterbacks and outstanding receiving corps.
Both teams also have strong defenses, anchored by pass rushes and secondaries ready to make plays.
There is talent all over the field in this game.
The one area where the Bengals struggled last year was defending teams who like to air the ball out. Well, Buffalo is one of those teams. But the Bengals addressed their secondary in the draft, so that should help.
Buffalo may have the best team in the AFC right now. But they aren’t a team that, give them one big game, they will win. They’re good enough to win the Super Bowl, but they’re not good enough to win one game, if that makes senese.
On the other hand, the Bengals won six games against teams with winning records last season and seven games decided by one score. For as flashy as the Bengals are, they can win the tough physical games. I think that will be the case in this game.
Game pick: Bengals 34 Bills 31 (Evan McPherson from 30 yards as time expires)
Week 18: vs. Baltimore Ravens – TBD
Another huge game down the stretch. No time to rest after a Monday Night heavyweight fight with Buffalo.
This game could have major playoff implications, and that could have a major impact on what time and what day the game will be played.
Final thought: It always feels like the Bengals end the season at home against the Ravens. And it’s true; this is the seventh time in 13 years that the Bengals finish the season hosting the Ravens.
Game pick: Bengals 34 Ravens 27
Let me be Frank and Cut to the Chase 