Best AFC 2025 NFL Draft picks
USA TODAY’s Tyler Dragon breaks down which teams in the AFC drafted the best this year.
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The Cincinnati Bengals endured a roller coaster 2024 NFL season. It saw them start the year off 1-4 but storm back with a second-half playoff push.
They entered December 4–8, but the Bengals rallied to win their last five games and kept their playoff hopes alive late in the season. Despite their efforts, it was their second consecutive 9-8 finish in which they missed the playoffs.
A significant part of the problem was Cincinnati’s defense. The defense allowed 25.5 points per game which was 25th in the league. The team reacted by firing longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
The Bengals have since hired Al Golden in hopes he can improve the team’s defensive unit.
Trey Hendrickson‘s future is uncertain as he seeks an extension of his own, but Cincinnati focused on strengthening the defense in the draft by selecting Shemar Stewart in the first round. In addition, three of their first four draft picks were on the defensive side of the ball.
The primary goal of the 2025 offseason was to agree to long-term extensions with wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The Bengals accomplished that quickly in mid-March and the Super Bowl window remains open as the team looks to bounce back behind perennial MVP candidate Joe Burrow.
Another year removed from their 2022 Super Bowl appearance has them flying under the radar in the AFC. Will that be enough to get the Bengals back to the postseason?
Here’s Cincinnati’s full list of opponents for the 2025 season as the NFL’s schedule release approaches.
Bengals 2025 opponents
Here’s the full list of Bengals opponents for 2025:
HomeBaltimore RavensPittsburgh SteelersCleveland BrownsChicago BearsDetroit LionsNew England PatriotsNew York JetsJacksonville JaguarsArizona CardinalsRoadBaltimore RavensPittsburgh SteelersCleveland BrownsBuffalo BillsMiami DolphinsMinnesota VikingsGreen Bay PackersDenver Broncos
As always, the Bengals are set to face their AFC North counterparts twice during the 2025 NFL season. They will also play every team in the AFC East and NFC North as part of the NFL’s yearly rotating schedule.
Cincinnati’s final three opponents – the Broncos, Jaguars and Cardinals – were determined based on the Bengals’ third-place finish in their division last season.
Due to the NFL’s unbalanced schedule, the AFC has an extra home game this season. As a result, Cincinnati will host nine games in front of its fans.
When is the 2025 NFL schedule release?
The NFL will unveil its full 2025 schedule on Wednesday, May 14.
On this date, the league will announce all 18 weeks of matchups and bye weeks for each team. This year’s schedule release will occur one day earlier than last year’s, which was on May 15.
Last year, the NFL announced the complete 2024 schedule at 8 p.m. ET, so fans can expect a similar timing this time around.