The Cincinnati Bengals finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season, with a slow start once again plaguing the team. Unfortunately for the team and fan base, the Bengals’ schedule in 2025 sets them up pretty unfavorably. However, Joe Burrow and Co. have demonstrated they can turn things around.
Let’s dive into our game-by-game Bengals schedule predictions.
Week 1 @ Cleveland Browns: Win (1-0)
It will be a season-opening win for the Bengals. While Myles Garrett poses problems for Cincinnati’s offensive line, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are the equalizers out wide. The Bengals attack the Browns’ cornerbacks and the middle of the field, allowing Cincinnati to open the season with an intradivision road win.
- Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 31, Cleveland Browns 20
Week 2 vs Jacksonville Jaguars: Win (2-0)
If the matchup came later in the season, when the Jacksonville Jaguars have more time in their new offensive and defensive schemes, this might be a different result. However, Cincinnati will be able to take advantage of some early coverage lapses from the Jaguars’ secondary. Travis Hunter will have a strong performance, but Burrow and Co. capitalize on Jacksonville’s mistake to secure the victory.
- Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 27, Jacksonville Jaguars 21
Week 3 @ Minnesota Vikings: Loss (2-1)
This is the gauntlet portion of the Bengals schedule. Of these upcoming matchups, however, this is the most favorable of the draws. The Minnesota Vikings secondary is a legitimate concern, so the real question will be whether or not the Bengals’ offensive line can hold off an elite pass rush to let Burrow take advantage. Cincinnati does also face an inexperienced quarterback in J.J. McCarthy, giving it a bit of help. Ultimately, we think the superior roster and coaching staff pull out the win.
- Prediction: Minnesota VIkings 28, Cincinnati Bengals 24
Week 4 @ Denver Broncos: Loss (2-2)
It’s very difficult to see Cincinnati pulling out the win here. The Denver Broncos secondary is arguably the best in the NFL and this defense as a unit could be even better than it was last season. We also anticipate real second-year improvements from quarterback Bo Nix in Sean Payton’s scheme. Burrow gives the Bengals a chance in every game, but the firepower on the Broncos’ defense and how well-coached the offense is are the deciding factors.
- Prediction: Denver Broncos 24, Cincinnati Bengals 17
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Week 5 vs Detroit Lions: Loss (2-3)
For the second consecutive season, it’s a three-game losing streak early for Cincinnati. The new-look interior of the Detroit Lions offense should have settled in by this point and they roster one of the most talented defenses in the league. Chase and Higgins will still get theirs against the Lions’ secondary, helping Burrow keep it a one-score game. In the end, though, this will be a Lions win in a game they largely control from start to finish.
- Prediction: Detroit Lions 35, Cincinnati Bengals 28
Week 6 @ Green Bay Packers: Win (3-3)
It’ll be a shootout at Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon. Burrow and Jordan Love seem to match scoring drives and highlight-reel throws, while Josh Jacobs runs through the Bengals’ defense. The Green Bay Packers take a 31-28 lead late in the fourth quarter before Burrow hits Chase for a 40-plus-yard touchdown, putting Cincinnati up for good.
- Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 35, Green Bay Packers 31
Week 7 vs Pittsburgh Steelers: Win (4-3)
The good times keep rolling for the Bengals’ offense, even with a strong effort from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ pass rush. Aaron Rodgers is sacked twice and throws an interception, setting up Borrow and Co. in great field position for a few scoring drives. It’s an all-around effort against a division rival that delivers a Bengals’ win.
- Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 27
Week 8 vs New York Jets: Win (5-3)
The Jets’ defense can put Sauce Gardner on one of the Bengals’ receivers, but that still leaves Brandon Stephens on the other. It’s a matchup Burrow will exploit. This will also be a favorable matchup for Trey Hendrickson, who will record a sack, helping Cincinnati secure its fifth win of the season.
- Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 31, New York Jets 24
Week 9 vs Chicago Bears: Win (6-3)
Facing the Chicago Bears as early in the season as possible is key. Caleb Williams will start getting more comfortable in Ben Johnson’s offense by the midway point of the year, but there are still going to be growing pains. The missteps, combined with a strong showing by the Bengals’ pass rush, help Cincinnati escape with a win to improve to 6-3.
- Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 27, Chicago Bears 21
Week 11 @ Pittsburgh Steelers: Loss (6-4)
A rematch in Pittsburgh goes the Steelers’ way. Cincinnati gives up a sack to T.J. Watt, but the real damage is caused by the interior of the Steelers’ defensive line. The unit ends the Bengals’ potential game-winning drive at the close of the fourth quarter, and Pittsburgh goes on to win in overtime.
- Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Cincinnati Bengals 28 (OT)
Week 12 vs New England Patriots: Win (7-4)
There’s a chance we’ll see an upset in this game. The New England Patriots’ cornerback tandem is excellent, and they have a standout combo at defensive tackle that could cause significant issues for the Bengals’ interior offensive line. However, a Drake Maye interception and some remarkable escapability from Burrow when pressured will prove just enough to help the Bengals eke out a victory.
- Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 31, New England Patriots 24
Week 13 @ Baltimore Ravens: Loss (7-5)
A trip to hostile territory against a better team, especially on the defensive side of the ball, decides this one. Burrow will once again deliver an MVP-caliber performance against a top-five defense that keeps the Bengals’ offense in the game. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, the inability to get stops is their undoing.
- Prediction: Baltimore Ravens 38, Cincinnati Bengals 31
Week 14 @ Buffalo Bills: Loss (7-6)
It will feel reminiscent of the previous week’s contest in Baltimore. Facing an MVP-winning quarterback on the road, the Bengals’ defense is unable to generate consistent pressure on Josh Allen, and there are lapses in coverage against Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman. Burrow tries to keep pace, but it’s just not going to be enough when the Bills’ defense is vastly superior to Cincinnati’s.
- Prediction: Buffalo Bills 35, Cincinnati Bengals 31
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Week 15 vs Baltimore Ravens: Win (8-6)
Burrow gets his revenge against the Bengals, making up for the last three matchups. The Bengals’ defense does a much better job of limiting explosive run plays from Derrick Henry, which proves to be just enough to generate a few extra scoreless drives. That’s all Burrow needs, hitting Chase late for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter that eventually seals the Bengals’ win.
- Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 31, Baltimore Ravens 27
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Week 16 @ Miami Dolphins: Loss (8-7)
Coming off a great performance at home against the Ravens, Cincinnati loses its momentum on the road trip to face the Miami Dolphins. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle both find the end zone, but the game-changer in this one is running back De’Von Achane, running behind an improving Dolphins offensive line. Burrow matches Miami’s offense with a four-touchdown performance, but the Dolphins walk it off with a game-winning field goal.
- Prediction: Miami Dolphins 38, Cincinnati Bengals 35
Week 17 vs Arizona Cardinals: Win (9-7)
The Arizona Cardinals should be a much better team this season than people expect. However, head coach Jonathan Gannon’s defense still isn’t at a level, in terms of talent, where it can generate enough stops against the Bengals’ offense. Higgins and Chase find the end zone, leading Cincinnati to secure a winning record.
- Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 31, Arizona Cardinals 24
Week 18 vs Cleveland Browns: Win (10-7)
With the Browns positioning themselves to land the first overall pick, Cincinnati shouldn’t have to do much in the regular-season finale to secure a victory. Burrow and Chase Brown deliver three first-half touchdowns, allowing Cincinnati to put in its reserves midway through the second half with a win and a playoff spot secured.
- Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 27, Cleveland Browns 17
