What will be the Bengals record in 2022?
By: Jake Rajala
The Cincinnati Bengals were the NFL’s darling last season and they’re certainly preparing to take the next step (Super Bowl victory) with their third-year quarterback Joe Burrow. With that said, I’m going to simply project the victories, losses, and overall record for Cincy in 2022.
Week 1: vs the Steelers
I believe Mitchell Trubisky is underrated, but I certainly expect Joe cool to pull out with the victory against a Steelers team that was demolished by KC in the playoffs. I expect the Bengals to win 35-24.
Week 2: at the Cowboys
The Bengals pass defense could struggle against Dak, but I love the Bengals WR trio and their chances against Dallas. All in all, I’m a bit more comfortable with (a well-protected) Burow than Prescott in big-time moments. I believe the Bengals win 38-35.
Week 3: at the Jets
I don’t expect Cincy to be upset by a team that could have a new HC-QB combo in 2023 I foresee the Bengals winning 35-17.
Week 4: vs the Dolphins
The Dolphins could upset the Bengals, but I still expect Cincy to squeeze out a close show-down by a score of 31-28.
Week 5: at the Ravens
I actually expect the Ravens to upset their despised enemy in Cincinnati – as Burrow could somewhat struggle against the Ravens pass defense. I suspect the Ravens win 28-24.
Week 6: at the Saints
I love how the Saints pass rush stacks up to the Bengals OL and I expect the Saints WRs to really hurt the Bengals pass defense. I foresee the Saints winning 35-21.
Week 7: vs the Falcons
I am not in awe of the Falcons chances against the Bengals. I expect the Bengals to have a monster 38-17 victory against Marcus Mariota and the Falcons.
Week 8: at the Browns
I’m positive that the Bengals will feel extremely confident against a likely Deshaun Watson-less Browns team. I foresee the Bengals winning 35-21.
Week 9: vs the Panthers
I definitely anticipate Matt Rhule not having a happy ending in the 2022 season. I believe the Bengals win 31-17 in this match-up.
Week 10: at the Steelers
I believe the Steelers could make the playoffs for the second season in a row, but I still believe they get swept by Cincy. I believe the Bengals win 35-21 in their second battle.
Week 11: at the Titans
I don’t project the reigning AFC one seed (Titans) to even return to the playoffs next season. Malik Willis could absolutely receive the keys to the offense by the mid-point of the season, as well. I believe the Bengals win 28-17.
Week 12: vs the Chiefs
“Hello Darkness, my old friend”
I love the Chiefs outlook with JuJu and without Tyreek Hill. I also expect them to return with a bit more vigor against Cincy. I believe KC wins 34-31 in this big show-down.
Week 13: vs the Browns
I expect the Bengals to win against CLE in their last divisional clash – as I believe the Bengals continuity is a big advantage. I believe Cincy wins 28-24.
Week 14: at the Buccaneers
The Bengals and Buccaneers match-up could be a Super Bowl preview. Well, I expect TB12 to beat the youngster in Burrow by a score of 35-28.
Week 15: at the Patriots
Bill Belichick will be onto Cincinnati this week, but his team won’t beat the explosive Bengals team. I expect Ja’Marr Chase to have an unbelievable outcome and the Bengals to win 42-21.
Week 16: vs the Bills
The Bengals-Bills fight could be an AFC Championship preview and I’m picking the Bills to win a close game by a score of 42-35.
Week 17: vs the Ravens
I believe the Bengals re-group, really dig deep for this game and don’t get swept by Lamar Jackson. I believe the Bengals win 35-28.
Final record: 12-5
