2023 Cincinnati Bengals schedule analysis

On Thursday night, the NFL released the complete Bengals schedule. Per NFL research, Bengals opponents had a 146-140-2 record in 2022, making their 2023 schedule the 17th-most difficult in the NFL.

Circle the date: Week 9 vs. the Bills (Nov. 5)

The Bengals biggest game of the year may be the most emotional as safety Damar Hamlin makes his return to Cincinnati after suffering cardiac arrest on the field during a Week 17 game in 2022. The matchup was later canceled, but the teams played in the divisional round of the playoffs. (Cincinnati won.) In April, Hamlin was cleared to play again.

Toughest stretch: Weeks 15-18

The Bengals' toughest stretch comes at the end of their season as they take on two 2022 playoff teams and two division rivals. 

The stretch starts with Cincinnati hosting the Vikings, who have arguably the best receiver in the league in Justin Jefferson. Then the Bengals go on the road in back-to-back weeks to take on the Steelers, whom they split with a year ago, and the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs. They then end the regular season with a home game against the Browns, who have QB Deshaun Watson playing in his first full season since his suspension.

Easiest stretch: Weeks 3-6

After back-to-back AFC North matchups to begin the season, the Bengals schedule lightens up. It starts with a home game against the Rams, who've seen a lot of roster turnover this offseason. Then Cincinnati travels to Tennessee and Arizona, two teams with major questions at quarterback. The Titans will either be starting 35-year-old Ryan Tannehill or rookie Will Levis and the Cardinals will likely be without Kyler Murray. The stretch ends with the Bengals hosting the Seahawks. If this game was in Seattle, things may be different, but Cincinnati will make Geno Smith prove his 2022 comeback season wasn't a fluke.

Revenge game: Week 17 at Chiefs (Dec. 31)

The Bengals head back to Arrowhead, not "Burrowhead," after being defeated by the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. Cincinnati is 3-1 against Kansas City since 2021 but only the Chiefs have gotten the last laugh with a Super Bowl title. This game could be a battle for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.