After coming four points short of a second-straight Super Bowl appearance, the Cincinnati Bengals are entering the 2023 season with a chip on their shoulder. Joe Burrow and his crew are now firmly established as a league powerhouse. With the recent release of the upcoming season schedule, I broke down each game to predict the Bengals’ 2023 record.

Week 1 at Cleveland Browns: Win (1-0)

I expect the Bengals to get off to a hot start to their season after last year’s heartbreaking finish. In week 14, they picked up their first win against the Browns since Kevin Stefanski took over. Cincinnati makes it two in a row to kick off the year.

Week 2 vs Baltimore Ravens: Win (2-0)

Lamar Jackson is back, and the Ravens’ offense should be improved under Todd Monken after their playoff loss to the Bengals. Expect a physical divisional battle, but the Bengals still have the edge.

Week 3 vs Los Angeles Rams (Monday Night Football): Win (3-0)

Zac Taylor and the Bengals have their first chance for revenge against Sean McVey and the Rams since Super Bowl LVI. Los Angeles’ roster is in far worse shape than it was the last time these two met. No chance Joe Burrow and company let the Rams travel over 2000 miles and win at Paycor Stadium.

Week 4 at Tennessee Titans: Win (4-0)

These two teams always have interesting battles, but Tennessee’s roster is in a bad spot. They can’t keep up with the Cincinnati offense, and Lou Anarumo’s defense will be ready to throw the kitchen sink at whoever is under center.

Week 5 at Arizona Cardinals: Win (5-0)

A week five road matchup with one of the league’s weakest rosters after establishing win-streak reeks of a trap game, but the Bengals are experienced and disciplined and will win a game they should.

Week 6 vs Seattle Seahawks: Win (6-0)

Seahawks fans have been comparing their new–look receiving trio to the Bengals’ group since the draft, but it’s Seattle’s other unit that will decide this game. Their run defense is still a weak spot and Joe Mixon can help the Bengals set the tone for a victory.

Week 7 BYE

Week 8 at San Francisco 49ers: Loss (6-1)

A potential Super Bowl matchup, these two teams have a lot of history and are in win-now mode. Cincinnati has the better quarterback play and is coming off a bye. However, Kyle Shanahan’s creativity and the 49ers’ lethal pass rush are enough to take down the Bengals on  their farthest road trip of the season.

Week 9 vs Buffalo Bills (Sunday Night Football): Loss (6-2)

After last year’s emotional matchups, the Bills will be hungry to win in Damar Hamlin’s return to Cincinnati. In what should be an exciting, high-scoring battle, I have the Bills avenging their playoff loss.

Week 10 at Houston Texans: Win (7-2)

After two tough games, the Bengals get an easier matchup with Houston. The Texans are young and feisty, but the talent gap is too large. Burrow can pick apart their defense to get things back on track.

Week 11 at Baltimore Ravens (Thursday Night Football): Loss (7-3)

I’m projecting a season split between these two teams, and an away loss seems more likely. Baltimore’s secondary could get exposed by Burrow and Chase, but Lamar Jackson’s new weapons and scheme will make it easier to pace with the Bengals.

Week 12 vs Pittsburgh Steelers: Win (8-3)

The Bengals don’t face their rival until mid-November. The Steelers had a great offseason, but are still far away from Cincinnati’s top-to-bottom roster talent. 

Week 13 at Jacksonville Jaguars (Monday Night Football): Win (9-3)

Burrow vs. Trevor Lawrence will be an exciting matchup, and the last primetime battle between these two teams was a nail-biter. This game will come down to quarterback play, and Burrow is the safe bet to outduel Lawrence (again).

Week 14 vs Indianapolis Colts: Win (10-3)

The Colts are in an exciting new era with Anthony Richardson and Shane Steichen, but it’s too early for them to compete with a team like the Bengals. Anarumo’s defense will cause problems for Richardson and his offensive line all game long.

Week 15 vs Minnesota Vikings: Win (11-3)

Burrow and Chase certainly have this game circled on their calendars as they face off against their former teammate Justin Jefferson. Chase went for 100 yards and a touchdown in his career debut in their last matchup, an overtime thriller. The Bengals are the more complete team and will pick up another win to build momentum late in the season.

Week 16 at Pittsburgh Steelers: Win (12-3)

The Bengals will be in a groove this late in the year as they fight for playoff seeding, and win a tough battle in Pittsburgh.

Week 17 at Kansas City Chiefs: Win (13-3)

Arguably the most anticipated matchup of the entire NFL regular season, the AFC Championship rematch will be an emotional fight between two teams at the top of the standings. The Bengals are fired up after their playoff loss and make a statement as the playoffs approach.

Week 18 vs Cleveland Browns: Loss (13-4)

Based on the results of week 17, seeding could be locked up. In this scenario, the Bengals have clinched the AFC North and would have a tie-breaker over Kansas City. Meanwhile, Cleveland will likely be fighting for a playoff spot. A loss would bring Cincinnati to 4-2 in the AFC North, which feels about right.

Overall: 13-4

The Bengals once again should be one of the premier teams in the NFL. They have a real shot at the top seed in the AFC. Their first-place schedule leads to some great matchups against Buffalo, Kansas City, and Jacksonville, but the rest of their slate is very manageable.