2013 Cincinnati Bengals Schedule

Put me in the camp that does not get excited about the release of the NFL schedule. Prior to the release, we already know: 1) the opponents, 2) the location of the games, and 3) certain teams will get far too much primetime coverage (Broncos 5, Patriots 5, NYG 5, SF 5, Balt 4, GB 4, Steelers 4, Dal 4, Indy 4). The schedule release simply gives us the order the games will be played and a 1 day break from draft talk. However, now that the schedule is out, here are my initial thoughts as well as a “way too early” prediction on record. I see this breaking down into 3 parts: 1) the First 5 Games – which are brutal; 2) the Next 8 Games – which are all winnable; 3) the Last 3 Games – which is a tough final stretch (2 at home and 1 road primetime game). My “Way Too F*%$ing Early Prediction” is: 12-4. That’s right folks! I said it. 12-4. And here’s how I got there:

Week 1 Sep 8 1:00PM @ Bears

Win – 4 reasons: 1) Dalton v Cutler – Dalton. Yes Cutler has more God given talent, but he only uses it to throw picks and the Bengals will have a secondary and DL that will force picks. 2) Bengals DL v Bears OL – Bengals DL. Bushrod will be in his first game with the Bears, so their OL will still suck. 3) Green v Marshall – Green. Who would you trust more? Green or Marshall? 4) Lewis v Trestman – Lewis. I rarely give Lewis the upperhand, but I have to think he has an advantage over a guy used to coaching on 120 yard fields that feature an eligible goalpost in the middle of the endzone.

 

Week 2 Sep 16 8:40PM  Steelers (ESPN MNF)

Win – 2 reasons: 1) Harrison’s first crack at his old team…he may kill someone; 2) the Steelers have a lot of holes and a lot of age. They still should be formidable, but the Bengals are now the better team.

Week 3 Sep 22 1:00PM Packers

Loss – With the Bengals DL and the Packers terrible OL, RBs, and WR corps missing Jennings, I could see the Bengals winning, but, the Packers have Rodgers and the Bengals don’t.

Week 4 Sep 29 1:00PM @ Browns

Win – The Browns have some talent (especially on defense), but a 2^nd year QB and a first time coach in just their 3^rd game? I like the Bengals.  

Week 5 Oct 6 1:00PM Patriots

Loss – The Bengals have the talent to match up, but Lewis v Belicheck is about as lopsided as you can get.

 

Week 6 Oct 13 1:00PM @ Bills

Win – It’s the Bills. I know the Bengals past against the Bills, but….it’s still the Bills.

Week 7 Oct 20 1:00PM @ Lions

Win – Teams take on the personality of their coach. Schwartz is an undisciplined idiot. The Lions are filled with undisciplined idiots. Give me the Bengals.

Week 8 Oct 27 4:05PM Jets

Win – The Jets actually start Mark Sanchez, therefore I take the Bengals.

 

Week 9 Oct 31 8:25PM @ Dolphins (NFL Network Thursday Night)

Win – The Dolphins spent a lot of money, but the team that spends a lot in FA usually sucks (see past examples in Washington, Philadelphia, etc).

Week 10 Nov 10 1:00PM @ Ravens

Loss – The Bengals usually play well in Baltimore, but I don’t see them taking this game.

Week 11 Nov 17 1:00PM Browns

Win – I just can’t imagine a team losing to an NFL team lead by a QB named Weedon and a coach named Chud. For that reason alone, the Bengals win.

Week 12 BYE

Week 13 Dec 1 4:25PM @ Chargers

Win – The Chargers lack talent and are playing under an overrated HC. Think Mike McCoy has a HC position if not for Manning? My offense would look great with Manning running it….that’s because Manning wouldn’t be running it, he would be running his own offense – just like he did last year with McCoy.

 

Week 14 Dec 8 1:00PM  Colts

Win – The Colts had a great year last year. However, they still lack talent at every position except QB. The Bengals have more talent than the Colts, therefore the Bengals win.

Week 15 Dec 15 8:30PM @ Steelers (NBC Sunday Night Football)

Loss – I like the Bengals chances in this one, but it’s tough to pick against the Steelers in a primetime game in Pittsburgh.

Week 16 Dec 22 1:00PM Vikings

Win – AP is insanely good. The rest of the Vikings are not. Jennings will quickly find out how much of his success was a result of Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball as opposed to Greg Jennings skill.

Week 17 Dec 29 1:00PM Ravens

Win – This is a game that could well be for the division. I just don’t see the Ravens being good enough to sweep the Bengals. I like the home team in this one.

There you have it. 12-4. Take it to Vegas!