The Cincinnati Bengals are a tough team to read on the just-released 2025 NFL schedule.

Joe Burrow and the Bengals, as it turns out, aren’t headed for an international game this season. But they do have the standard-fare six AFC North showdowns — including one right in Week 1.

Those Bengals also appear on primetime four times, including two AFC North showdowns. Keep in mind that’s before any in-season scheduling flexing, which is more lenient than ever.

Based on what we know about the Bengals right now coming out of free agency and the draft, here’s a first look at game-by-game predictions for Cincinnati in 2025.

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Getting the Browns early in the season is good news for the Bengals. Granted, we said that last year about the Patriots, but this year will be different…right? Win.

Week 2: vs. Jaguars

The Jaguars have had an…interesting offseason. Trevor Lawrence is always a threat, but he’s not going to upend Burrow at home. Win.

Week 3: at Vikings

The Vikings won 14 games last year, but the Bengals offense feels equipped to match their pace, if not exceed it. Expect a high-scoring affair, though. Win.

Week 4: at Broncos

Denver is quietly one of the fastest risers in the NFL today under Sean Payton. Going to Mile High and escaping with a win is a tough ask. Loss.

Week 5: vs. Lions

Even Bengals fans would probably agree the Lions are a much more well-rounded team right now. That doesn’t mean a win is impossible, but the Bengals have much to prove before getting picked here. Loss.

Week 6: at Packers

Green Bay is not a nice place to play any time of year. It feels like an uncommon opponent is a detriment in this scenario, too. Loss.

The Steelers have a very middling-looking quarterback situation, so even a new Bengals defense should be able to remain competitive enough at home to take them down. Win.

Week 8: vs. Jets

Are the days of struggling against backup quarterbacks over? Because Justin Fields or Tyrod Taylor on the road doesn’t seem terrifying, at least not in May. This should be a win, especially given Burrow is the other quarterback in the matchup. Win.

Week 9: vs. Bears

The Bears feel like a team on the rise around Caleb Williams, but much of projecting this matchup comes down to timing. This, right before a bye, should be a win, but could be a trap game with the Steelers waiting after the break. Win.

Week 10: BYEWeek 11: at Steelers

Let’s call it a season split with the Steelers, as feels like is tradition. Mike Tomlin’s team just finds ways to steal wins and hover around that .500 mark. Loss.

Week 12: vs. Patriots

A homestand against the rebuilding Patriots will turn out better this time, provided the Bengals are fully healthy and not somehow dealing with contract drama that spills into the regular season again. Win.

The difference between the Bengals and Ravens from a front office and overall top-down organizational outlook right now is vast and it will continue to show up on the field. Look for close Bengals losses in both encounters. Loss.

Week 14: at Bills

A snowy rematch of the playoff game from a few years ago should have the Bengals feeling good. But Josh Allen in Buffalo remains a pretty rare thing to defeat and gives Buffalo the edge. Loss.

Week 15: vs. Ravens

The Ravens are a buzzsaw that just had a great offseason. Until we see proof a new Bengals defense can limit Lamar Jackson, it’s hard to pick Cincinnati wins with confidence. Loss.

Week 16: at Dolphins

The Dolphins are nearly impossible to read, which starts with Tua Tagovailoa. Cincinnati should win, but it feels like it could be a track meet. Win.

Week 17: vs. Cardinals

An uncommon opponent still feels like a good thing for the Bengals. That’s especially so when it’s the seemingly always-struggling Cardinals. Win.

Week 18: at Browns

A season sweep feels like the logical thing to project. Divisional games are tough, but the Browns remain in quarterback purgatory with Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco (got all that?). Win.

Bengals record prediction 2025

10-7.

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