Bengals' 2024 schedule was a direct response from the NFL listening to what fans want

While their market has historically been labeled as small, the Cincinnati Bengals have become must-see television. 

Superstar playmakers like Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase have turned the franchise into a perennially contending franchise, and some of their best moments have come when all the cameras are pointed in their direction.

They'll have plenty more chances to do the same this upcoming season thanks to the people who make the NFL schedule.

NFL vice president of broadcast planning Mike North recently explained to Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson that immense fan interest is the reason why the Bengals are slated for eight national television kickoff windows in 2024.

"Not only are we counting on them, but that's what the fans have come to expect. That's what the fans are asking for," North said. "Every time a fan interacts with the National Football League, they're telling us what they care about.

"Whether watching television, listening to a podcast, buying a hat or jersey, putting a player on their fantasy team, following someone on Instagram, and the Bengals are getting to be one of those top-tier teams our fans care about week in and week out."

The result is five primetime night games, including two divisional games and a road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, and three late afternoon tilts against contenders such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. 

Fans want to consume Cincinnati football? They'll get it in spades this fall.

10 years ago, this was a cause for concern amongst Bengals fans. The franchise traditionally played terribly under the brightest lights, especially during playoff games. The status quo has changed dramatically since the hiring of head coach Zac Taylor and Burrow being under center. They're 16-8 in games starting at 3pm ET or later with Burrow playing the full contest.

As the Meat Loaf song goes, two out of three ain't bad.

The Bengals' new reputation for delivering in front of a wide audience isn't so new anymore, and it will stick around so long as they keep living up to it.