How Did Bengals Fair In The NFL Schedule Release

The Bengals schedule was released a couple nights and the first six weeks of the schedule will be a test to see how good this team really is. 

Week 1 @New York Jets

Week 2 @Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 3 Denver Broncos

Week 4 Miami Dolphins

Week 5 @Dallas Cowboys

Week 6 @New England Patriots

The Bengals are going to be tested early.  The first game they travel to New York to take on the Jets who missed the playoffs by one game last year.  Because the Jets will start Geno Smith I like the Bengals chances, but winning on the road is never easy.  Next they head to Hienz Field for a rematch against the Steelers for the first time since the stinging playoff loss.  The Bengals will not have Vontaze Burfict for this game (sigh).  This game will be extremely tough. 

After that they get the defending Super Bowl champions.  No Manning or Oswieller for and Denver and this game is at Paul Brown Stadium.  Week 4 brings the Miami Dolphins and another home game which shouldn’t be too much of problem.  The next two weeks the Bengals get New England and Dallas, which just be another challenge.  We will see how much Tom Brady’s line has improved. 

Prime Time Games:

For years now the Bengals have just been flat out horrible in night games.  We will see how they fair this year in primetime.  To be honest, if these weren't primetime games three of these games would be W's.

Vs. Miami Dolphins Thursday Night Football (Sept 29.) 

@New York Giants Monday Night Football (Nov 14.)

Vs. Pittsburgh Sunday Night Football (Dec 18)

@Houston Sunday Night Football (Christmas Eve)

Other Notable Games

Week 7 Cleveland Browns:  The Bengals will get their first taste of former OC an now Browns head coach Hue Jackson. 

Week 8 Washington Redskins: This game will be played in London, England.  Kickoff is set for 9:30 A.M.

Week 17 Baltimore Ravens:  This is the 5^th time in 6 years the Bengals will play Baltimore to end the season.  I have a weird feeling that this game will be very important. 

All in all, the Bengals strength of schedule is 27th in the league.

Prediction:

I say the Bengals will sit around the 10-6 or 9-7 mark this year.  I think they will get to their 6^th straight playoff appearance and maybe another date with the Steelers in the Wildcard round.