The schedule dropped! Yay football!
Now we all have the ability to figure out how the Bengals season is going to turn out, thanks to the 2018 schedule dropping! It looks to be the same mediocre, classic Bengals-esque type of season with the opponents lined up.
But here’s a highlight of some of the games to watch out for this year:
What To Expect For This Season
First off – there will be no postseason aspirations for the team this year. Aside from a few pickups (and subtractions *cough cough* Vontaze), this Bengals team is basically the same as last year. Yes, the trade for Cordy Glenn will help, and the signing of the Cowboys Offensive Line Coach could prove to be useful – but it’s still good ole’ Marv calling the shots. The same classic Marvin bungling the 2 minute drill before a half, showing no emotion on the sideline, and settling for a field goal on 4th and 1 from the opponent’s 23 yard line.
AJ Green, in all his infinite talent and skill, cannot carry this team. I see AJ Green in the same light as Votto with the Reds, in that the talent and skill are almost being used for nothing if the teams can’t win anything. Votto, who is a quiet superstar, won’t ever get the credit he deserves for his performance. Green is the same way. A quiet superstar who doesn’t get shown the same love as guys like Julio, Hopkins, that guy for the Steelers, and OBJ. And Green is better than OBJ!
But I digress…
Sizing Up The Competition
The Bengals schedule consists of competition from the teams in the AFC West, NFC South, and the usual suspects from our division, sprinkled by a couple random teams. At first glance, the NFC South looms, with three playoff teams from last year, and a team that is on the come up. The Saints, Panthers, Falcons and Buccaneers will all prove to be formidable. High powered offenses with solid defenses will be trouble for the Bengals to keep up with.
However, I do see them taking the cake against the Bucs, because the Bucs haven’t proven anything and are very inconsistent. Maybe the Bengals steal a game from the Panthers who can be inconsistent, but the Falcons and Saints will be trouble. At worst I see them going 1-3, at best 2-2.
The Wild, Wild, AFC West
The AFC West is a different story. Once a tough division just a few years ago has now dropped off. Yet again, we’ve got the fucking Broncos. I don’t know about you guys, but I always cringe seeing them on the schedule. Sure, we beat them in the rain on Monday Night against Peyton a couple years ago (which still remains my favorite game I’ve ever been to). Sure we beat them last year, but Brock Osweiler was their quarterback and he is a pile of garbage. Luckily we have them at home this year and not at Mile High.
The Bengals will also have to deal with the Chiefs who have a lot of unknown going into this year. They no longer have Alex Smith throwing dump off passes. They now have Patrick Mahomes at the helm, so we don’t know what they are going to look like going into this year. Also their defense is a little down, with the loss of Marcus Peters as the shut down corner. That game could be a toss up, but it is in Kansas City so I wouldn’t be surprised by a loss.
Then there’s the Chargers who are going to the playoffs this year, mark my words. So that’s probably going to be a loss for them. Then there’s DAAAA RAAAAIIIIIIIDDDDERRRRRRRSSSSS! With Jon Gruden as coach, I see a rejuvenated team with a hot start who will fall off towards the end of the season. That defense there is not good enough yet. They have good pieces, just not a complete defense. I see the Bengals winning that bout in the Jungle.
Don’t Forget the AFC North Juggernauts
Now there’s the usual goon squad that is the AFC North. The Browns, are still not there yet in the rebuild, and I see the Bengals winning both games against them. The Ravens are much the same team from last year, just older (looking at you Flacco). I see the Bengals splitting the season series with the Ravens, both home teams winning against the road team. Get pumped for that early season Thursday Night Game!!
Then there’s the Steelers. Shittsburgh is still unfortunately the top in the AFC North. Boy do they love breaking our hearts. I see the same results this coming year as last year. A heartbreak at home where we lead most of the game, and a total domination by the Steelers on the road. Hopefully Big Ben ends up retiring soon. Flat out tired of seeing him give us a false sense of security, only to blow the game harder than a Nintendo cartridge.
Also of note, the Bengals do have a couple (hopefully) gimme games against two teams that are down right now in the Colts and Dolphins. I see them winning both of those games.
Final Record Prediction
Overall I see this season as a 6-10, 7-9, 8-8 at best type of season. Wow! What an in depth look at such a mediocre season! You can bet to see me at the home games as a season ticket holder this year because that’s just what us Cincinnati fans do! Who Dey?
