Bengals Schedule Breakdown, Reaction and Predictions (Weeks 5-8)

Week 5: @ Baltimore

Logan Vaughn: The Bengals seemed to figure out the Ravens in 2021, winning both matchups while out-scoring them 82-38. One of which, however, Baltimore was injury-riddled and on the road in a game to take control of the division. This time, in Baltimore on Sunday Night Football, I have the Bengals losing their first game of the season. The Bengals offense struggles against a revamped Ravens’ secondary and Justin Tucker does what Justin Tucker does and hands Cincinnati their first loss of 2022. Ravens win 22-17. Record: 4-1.

Week 6: @ New Orleans

Logan Vaughn: In one of the most anticipated games of the year, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase return to NOLA. In a game where the Saints likely won’t have all that much of a home field advantage, #9 and #1 have themselves a homecoming. The Saints just don’t have all that much firepower and even if Burrow and Chase downplay this game, they’ll feel differently once the game starts. Behind 400 yards from Joey B and 3 touchdowns from Uno, the Bengals feel at home in a 38-21 thrashing of the Saints. Record: 5-1

Week 7: vs Atlanta

Logan Vaughn: My first thought about this game? It has a let-down feel to it. A bad, yet young team with weapons coming to town after an emotional game in New Orleans. Even then, my money is on this team being past let downs. The Falcons don’t have a good QB on their roster (sorry Desmond Ridder fans) and that’s just a recipe for disaster against the defense that’s building in Cincinnati. A slow start rattles the Bengals but Joe Mixon has his best 2nd half of the year, willing his team to a 27-17 win. Record: 6-1

Week 8: @ Cleveland

Logan Vaughn: Monday Night Football? On Halloween? Against a division opponent? An in-state rival? Sign. Me. Up. On top of all of that, Joe Burrow has had to hear about being 0-3 against the Browns for far too long now. The Browns, assuming Deshaun Watson avoids suspension time, are likely to be a top team in the AFC. But for some reason, Cincinnati plays Cleveland better up north than they do right here at home. In a game full of fireworks, you’d think this one is being played on July 4th and not Halloween. Tyler Boyd and Hayden Hurst score 4 touchdowns together and Evan McPherson wins it at the buzzer. A treat for Cincinnati, a trick for Cleveland. Bengals win 31-28. Record: 7-1