Just ahead of the NFL schedule release, the Cincinnati Bengals have seen a series of leaks regarding their schedule. Now, they know that following the trip to Madrid, they’ll have a quirky schedule with their primetime games.
Typically, when teams make an international trip, they get a bye week after. There’s not a rule that says it has to go down like that, though, and the Bengals won’t be getting a bye right after they play the Atlanta Falcons. Instead, Jordan Schultz reports that they’ll play back-to-back primetime games.
In fact, the first seven games of the season for the Bengals are all going to be at 1:00 p.m. EST. Then, Cincinnati has the Madrid trip in Week 9. After that, it’s a return to the United States for those back-to-back primetime battles against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Commanders, respectively.
In the time that Zac Taylor has been the head coach of the Bengals, they’ve played 10 primetime games against AFC North opponents. Eight of those were on the road. So, Bengals fans will be happy to know that the Steelers game is at home.
The Cincinnati Bengals Will Play the Baltimore Ravens in Primetime
GettyCincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens
One AFC North opponent that the Cincinnati Bengals are getting used to playing in primetime is the Baltimore Ravens. For the most part, that’s been on the road, too, which is probably why Zac Taylor didn’t seem enthusiastic about playing the Ravens in primetime once again when asked about the possibility.
“I think I would be surprised, but (I’m) prepared for it, if that’s what they choose to do to us for the fifth straight year,” Taylor said.
Well, the folks in charge of the NFL schedule did choose to do that once again. The Bengals are set to play the Ravens on Thursday Night Football, with the game scheduled for New Year’s Eve this year. At the very least, Cincinnati will be hosting this matchup in Paycor Stadium.
It’s been a long string of primetime games for the Bengals and Ravens, with Baltimore usually playing the role of host. Over the last four seasons, the Bengals have played four road games in primetime and four home games outside of that window. It’s advantage Baltimore, with the Ravens winning three of the four matchups in that time.
The AFC North is wide open this season, but the Ravens and Bengals are generally seen as the two frontrunners. So, it’s safe to say that the NFL is banking on this being a vital late-season matchup as well.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ Schedule Has One Major Advantage
GettyCincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor
Even with the trip to Madrid, the Cincinnati Bengals have a clear advantage on their schedule. That’s the travel.
The Bengals are among the teams that will have the fewest travel miles. In total, it’s going to add up to 15,177 miles in the air, which sounds like a lot until you consider that 23 other NFL teams are going to need to spend more time on a plane.
“Cincinnati will not travel a greater distance this season than its 8,000+ mile roundtrip to and from Madrid. The reality is there won’t be many long flights outside of that week,” John Scheeran wrote.
It’s hard to say whether or not the lack of travel is going to help the Bengals this season. One thing is clear, though, and that’s that it can’t hurt to be traveling less than your opponents.
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