Bengals schedule 2025: Cincinnati win-loss record predictions
The Cincinnati Bengals faced a roller coaster of a season in 2024.
They started the year with a rough 1-4 record but made a remarkable comeback with a strong push for the playoffs in the second half of the season. By December, their record stood at 4-8, but they rallied to win their last five games keeping their playoff hopes alive late in the season.
Despite their efforts, they finished with a record of 9-8 for the second consecutive year and missed the playoffs once again.
A significant issue for the Bengals was their defense, which allowed an average of 25.5 points per game, ranking 25th in the league. In response, the team decided to part ways with longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
The Bengals then hired Al Golden, hoping he could improve the team's defensive unit. Complicating matters: the future of star defensive end Trey Hendrickson remains uncertain as he seeks a contract extension or a trade.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati concentrated on bolstering its defense in the draft by selecting edge rusher Shemar Stewart in the first round. The Bengals addressed defensive needs with three of their first four draft picks altogether.
The primary goal for the Bengals during the 2025 offseason was to secure long-term extensions for wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. They successfully accomplished this early in the off-season, which keeps their Super Bowl window open as the team aims to bounce back, led by perennial MVP candidate Joe Burrow.
Buy Bengals tickets for the 2025 season
Having now moved further away from their 2022 Super Bowl appearance, the Bengals may be flying under the radar in the AFC. Will this be enough to get them back to the postseason?
As the 2025 NFL schedule release approaches, Paste BN Sports is predicting the Bengals' record.
Bengals record prediction 2025
Record prediction: 10-7
Expectations remain the same in the jungle: The Bengals are Super Bowl-or-bust heading into 2025.
Cincinnati is tied with the fifth-best Super Bowl odds (+1800) after the draft, suggesting it is set to re-establish itself as a formidable AFC contender. Meanwhile, the defending AFC North champion Ravens stand in their way.
The Bengals run out one of the most elite duos at wide receiver every week with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Left tackle Trent Brown left in free agency and the team failed to add any help aside from drafting guard Dylan Fairchild in the third round. A year ago, the Bengals drafted right tackle Amarius Mims in the first round. PFF ranked the unit 30th overall in 2024 and they finished dead last in ESPN's pass block win rate. They likely won't make enough strides to drastically improve in 2025.
Running back Chase Brown could be a secret weapon after he averaged the second-most touches per game (23.6) behind only Saquon Barkley (25.7) from Weeks 9-17.
Additionally, they re-signed tight end Mike Gesicki, giving Burrow plenty of weapons at his disposal.
The Bengals have a demanding schedule because they play in the cutthroat AFC North. The Bengals have the 17th-hardest in the league, per Sharp Football Analysis.
Due to the Bengals' third-place finish in the division last season, they get matchups with the Jaguars and Cardinals at home, while six of their eight road opponents were playoff teams in 2024. Their matchups against the Browns, Steelers, Patriots, Jets, Cardinals and Jaguars at home could all be winnable.
As long as Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign with the Steelers, the Bengals should be the team to push the Ravens in the division. The Bengals lost four games last season in which they scored at least 33 points which is an NFL record. Their meager offensive line and porous defense will likely hold them back again in 2025.
Bengals 2025 opponents
Here's the complete list of Bengals opponents for 2025:
Home
- Baltimore Ravens
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Cleveland Browns
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Arizona Cardinals
Road
- Baltimore Ravens
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Cleveland Browns
- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- Minnesota Vikings
- Green Bay Packers
- Denver Broncos