Joe Burrow's lesson will be put to the test as NFL switches things up with Bengals-Chiefs

This has become one of the NFL's best rivalries since the 2021 season. The Bengals own a 3-2 record over the Chiefs since they toppled them to win the AFC North three years ago. Every game has also been on CBS, so it's understandable why the network wants to keep broadcasting the matchup. 

Instead of the frigid cold this rivalry has been accustomed to, the Bengals should be fine to play their biggest out-of-division rival under the late Summer sun. Weather is but one change in this decision.

Scheduling this matchup so early in the season gives whomever the loser is plenty of time to recover in the AFC standings. Instead of having it so late in the year when the stakes are the highest, Week 2 is when most teams are finding their identities.

This is especially true for Cincinnati. Despite finishing with a winning record the last three seasons, the Bengals are a combined 4-5 in the first three games of each year. That includes 0-2 starts in each of the last two seasons.

The Bengals haven't been 2-0 to start a season since 2018, before Zac Taylor even took over as head coach. No matter whom they play in Week 1, a 2-0 start will be a tall task with the Chiefs being one of the first two opponents. 

A tall task the Bengals cannot accomplish without their quarterback playing at 100%.

Joe Burrow is still working back from a torn ligament in his throwing wrist. He's almost cleared for contact, and has been throwing for over a month now. Burrow told media members last week that he's learned to listen to his body more and won't push himself through his recovery at the risk of a setback. Being able to practice leading up to the season is of utmost importance.

With the defending Super Bowl champions on the docket for Week 2, that plan becomes even more important for Burrow. This could be the first year since his rookie season that he'll be 100% himself for a Week 2 game. 

The league is counting on that being the case.