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The Most Exciting Games on the Cincinnati Bengals Schedule

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Will Koshover | Last updated May 15, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals will open the 2025 NFL campaign against their divisional rival, the Cleveland Browns. The men in stripes will look to start fast, as early struggles have doomed their playoff hopes the last two seasons. The Bengals’ offense needs to play efficiently from the jump and hope the much-maligned defense can get enough stops, as they should look different under the watchful eye of new defensive coordinator Al Golden. The Browns’ defense is still led by Myles Garrett, who signed a contract extension this offseason. Jim Schwartz and his staff added defensive tackle Mason Graham, who should be a problem clogging rushing lanes. The quarterback conundrum is always in effect in Cleveland, and this season is no different with veteran Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett vying for snaps. There should be no excuses for the Bengals, and they need to take care of business in Week 1 and start the season on a positive note at 1-0 and with an early division win.

The Most Exciting Games on the Cincinnati Bengals Schedule

Week 13 | Nov. 27 | Bengals @ Ravens – 8:20 p.m. ET | Thanksgiving Night

The Bengals and Ravens clash again on TNF, this time on Thanksgiving night. Joe Burrow vs. Lamar Jackson produced great television and moments last season, with the Ravens barely coming out on top both times. Burrow will seek revenge in a critical game with possible division title implications. Cincinnati’s defense had better be up for the task to face the high-flying offense led by Jackson and newly extended Derrick Henry, who can change a game instantly.

Week 5 | Oct. 5 | Lions @ Bengals – 4:25 p.m. ET

The Bengals and Lions share a similar path of pain in their histories and recent success over the last several seasons. They will meet in Week 5, and it will be interesting to see how the Lions look after the losses of both coordinators. They still have the same cast of characters on a potent offense that, much like the Bengals, can score points at will. Detroit’s defense was decimated by injury last season, and the league never really had a chance to see what they could do at full strength. The Lions have drafted very well since Brad Holmes took over, and 2025 was no different. Burrow and company will have their hands full in what will be a fun game to watch.

Week 14 | Dec. 7 | Bengals @ Bills – 4:25 p.m. ET

One of the best quarterback matchups in the NFL and an underrated rivalry resume as the Bengals travel to Buffalo to play the Bills in Week 14. They’ll have to go up against league MVP Josh Allen, and the Bengals get no breaks from the league with Ravens, Bills, and Ravens in three consecutive weeks. Burrow will look to move to 3-0 against Buffalo as he’s traditionally played well against Sean McDermott’s crew. This has all the makings of an early playoff preview, and it will likely be a crucial game for both teams heading into the last quarter of the season.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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