Bengals play the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers in three of the next five games

by Josh Kirkendall on Oct 8, 2009 10:03 AM EDT in Analysis

Last year, the 4-11-1 Cincinnati Bengals (do you really need that reminder?) finished the season with a .553 strength of schedule, which was freaking tough, man. The projected strength of schedule at the start of this season lessened to .465, which means Cincinnati should have an easier go of it this year. It helps playing the AFC West and the Detroit Lions.

However, before we get to any of that, the Bengals are readying themselves for an incredibly tough stretch that will likely make or break their season. Ouch. Already. I think so.

Date	Opponent	Opp. Record
10.11.2009	@ Baltimore Ravens	3-1
10.18.2009	Houston Texans	2-2
10.25.2009	Chicago Bears	3-1
11.8.2009	Baltimore Ravens	3-1
11.15.2009	@ Pittsburgh Steelers	2-2

The Texans? True. But, they smoked us last year 35-6. Houston has beaten the Titans and Raiders and lost to the Jaguars and Jets. The Bears? They've beaten the Steelers, Seahawks and Lions. Sure, every NFL is technically critical, but not so much; I think our odds are better against both teams. Call me confident. Call me Paul. It's the point in the schedule in which Cincinnati plays Baltimore and Pittsburgh in three of the next five games that makes be believe that the season will be won or lost. Isn't it a bit early to think that way? Perhaps. But if we lose our grip against those teams, we could find ourselves in a hole against two teams that don't figure to lose much this year.

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Comments

Can we call you Maurice?

by thevole on Oct 8, 2009 10:44 AM EDT reply actions

Cause he speaks of the pompotus of love?

by UpStateMike on Oct 8, 2009 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

The Houston and Chicago games are both winnable.

Hopefully, the Bengals will win at least one of three vs Bal and Pit. 3-2 would be nice but 2-3 will still leave us in pretty good shape with Oak, KC, Det, and Cle still on the schedule.

by MrBungle on Oct 8, 2009 2:46 PM EDT reply actions

Actually Houston scares me

They just don’t look as good as they actually are, and sandwiched between those other teams we could be in for a surprise. Houston can put up big numbers offensively and if we did this “wait until the 4th qtr to start playing” bit against them we might find the team is too far behind to come back.

by swebbIL on Oct 8, 2009 5:50 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions