The Cincinnati Bengals blew past expectations last season, finishing 10-7 in the regular season and advancing all the way to the Super Bowl.
They are arguably a more talented team this season, but the oddsmakers think passing game regression and a first-place schedule will make it challenging to improve on that record in 2022.
What do I think? Here is a week-by-week prediction.
Week 1: Bengals vs. Steelers
Cincinnati opens at home against a divisional foe, but one with some serious question marks at quarterback. Pittsburgh is good enough on defense to hang around for awhile, as that revamped Cincinnati offensive line is going to be tested mightily out of the gate by T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward. Eventually, Joe Burrow will find his groove and Cincy will put up some points.
Prediction: Bengals 24, Steelers 17
Record: 1-0
Week 2: Bengals at Cowboys
This will be a huge test out of the gate. Dallas traded wideout Amari Cooper this offseason and then lost left tackle Tyron Smith to a serious injury, but there is still talent on offense. Cincy may have trouble slowing down Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Add in the home field advantage, and I think the Cowboys win a close one.
Prediction: Cowboys 27, Bengals 24
Record: 1-1
Week 3: Bengals at Jets
Cincinnati is on the road again in Week 3 but should have little trouble against the rebuilding Jets. New York has some young talent but it’s doubtful any will be shining this early. It’s not like Ja’Marr Chase is on the Jets’ sideline.
Prediction: Bengals 31, Jets 17
Record: 2-1
Week 4: Bengals vs. Dolphins
This could be a really fun one. Burrow has obviously outperformed Tua Tagovailoa in every way early in their careers, but Miami has added some major weapons on offense this season. I think this one turns into a shootout, with the Bengals eventually pulling away.
The Bengals were a wonderful Cinderella story a year ago.
Now, with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase leading the way, they are poised to become perennial Super Bowl contenders.
My season preview: https://t.co/hQCEJaSQJw
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) September 2, 2022
Prediction: Bengals 34, Dolphins 28
Record: 3-1
Week 5: Bengals at Ravens
The AFC North will likely come down to these two teams. This is an extreme contrast in styles, and I think Baltimore gets the early leg up in the divisional race by holding serve at home behind a strong individual effort from quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Prediction: Ravens 27, Bengals 21
Record: 3-2
Week 6: Bengals at Saints
This is one of those toss-up games that could help determine whether the Bengals hit the over or under on their season win total. New Orleans is a solid team and gets this game at home. Burrow will need to be on point against a really good defense. Luckily, he will feel at home in New Orleans and come up with big plays when needed.
Prediction: Bengals 23, Saints 20
Record: 4-2
Week 7: Bengals vs. Falcons
Cincinnati will flex its muscle in this one. Not much needs to be said as it should be a blowout.
Prediction: Bengals 34, Falcons 17
Record: 5-2
Week 8: Bengals at Browns
Cincy likely would have been the underdog in this game, but Deshaun Watson will still be suspended, giving it a golden chance to capture this one on the road against an AFC North opponent. The Bengals should be able to take care of business, although it could be a slugfest.
Prediction: Bengals 20, Browns 16
Record: 6-2
Week 9: Bengals vs. Panthers
Another game at home against an inferior opponent. Cincinnati can’t afford to have a letdown in games like this, and it won’t against the Panthers.
Prediction: Bengals 31, Panthers 23
Record: 7-2
Week 11: Bengals at Steelers
Even though Pittsburgh doesn’t have a great quarterback, this feels like a toss-up because of the Steelers’ defense and the home field advantage for Pittsburgh. Cincinnati must keep mistakes to a minimum to come away with the win. The Steelers aren’t expected to be a playoff team this year, but they will win their share of games, including this one.
NFL sack leaders over the past two years:
1. T.J. Watt, 37.5
2. Myles Garrett, 28
3. Trey Hendrickson, 27.5
4. Aaron Donald, 26
5. Haason Reddick, 23.5— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) September 2, 2022
Prediction: Steelers 21, Bengals 20
Record: 7-3
Week 12: Bengals at Titans
A rematch of the AFC Divisional Round awaits in Tennessee. I could see a similar setup, as the teams stay close throughout with the contest coming down to the play in the final minutes. The Titans got worse this offseason by trading away A.J. Brown while the Bengals got better by beefing up their offensive line. I think Cincy grabs this road win.
Prediction: Bengals 27, Titans 23
Record: 8-3
Week 13: Bengals vs. Chiefs
How fun will this game be (especially if the Bengals have a record like this)? Cincy and Kansas City can both make the case that they will be the AFC team representing the Super Bowl in 2023. Defense will be optional in this one as Burrow and Patrick Mahomes put on an absolute show. But I think the Chiefs will do enough to steal this one on the road.
Prediction: Chiefs 34, Bengals 31
Record: 8-4
Week 14: Bengals vs. Browns
Deshaun Watson will be back for the Browns, increasing the level of difficulty. But I have a funny feeling Cleveland’s campaign will have long gone off the rails by this point. The Browns could already be far out of the playoff mix, while Cincinnati will have every reason to keep its foot on the gas pedal.
Prediction: Bengals 27, Browns 22
Record: 9-4
Week 15: Bengals at Buccaneers
It’s hard to keep every single game close in the NFL. The Bengals will be on the road for this one against an incredibly formidable foe. I think Tom Brady dices up the Cincinnati defense, while the Bengals’ offense delivers a rare clunker.
Prediction: Buccaneers 34, Bengals 17
Record: 9-5
Week 16: Bengals at Patriots
It’s always scary going against a Bill Belichick-coached team because he always tends to get the most out of his personnel. But this New England group does not have the same type of talent level as the Bengals. It should be close because of the coaching and the location, but I like Cincy to grab a key win.
Prediction: Bengals 23, Patriots 20
Record: 10-5
Week 17: Bengals vs. Bills
This Monday Night Football showdown should be electric. After facing off against Mahomes, Brady and others earlier in the season, Burrow will go against Josh Allen in this one. Even though Cincinnati is at home, I think Buffalo’s defense is good enough up front and in the secondary to keep the Bengals in check enough to grab the win.
Prediction: Bills 27, Bengals 23
Record: 10-6
Week 18: Bengals vs. Ravens
By virtue of their home win earlier in this exercise, Baltimore would have the tiebreaker advantage heading into this matchup. The divisional crown could very well come down to this matchup. Burrow is always cool under pressure, and the stakes won’t faze him here, either. Look for a virtuoso performance in the regular season finale to give the Bengals the AFC North and a solid seed heading into the playoffs.
Prediction: Bengals 31, Ravens 27
Record: 11-6
My Cincinnati Bengals win total bet: Over 10 wins (+100)
