We can all agree that this year's roster far surpasses our prayers expectations.  However, we've also heard the talk about how tough our upcoming schedule will be.  It's currently being ranked 4th toughest in all the NFL with our opponents having a 138-118 record the previous season.  While facing New England in Week 1 is no easy task, it's the divisional matchups late in the season that have me worried. 

I'm simply hoping for (another) playoff berth this year.  That's why I'm very hesitant to talk about a title run.. I'll let Ocho tweet about that one.  But this renovated squad will be tested early and often, so they must be ready. 

I know none of us want to see the Bengals start off with one in the loss column, especially after the last-minute heartbreaker in Week 1 last year (LuckyStokelyCatch ftL!), but this year's first game could set the tone for the season.  We travel to New England week one, then host Baltimore the next.  As much as I'd love to think our team can go 10-0 to start and not worry about the last games, it's somewhat impossible naive err, unlikely.  So I want you guys to decide which game do you think might be the reason you shut off your TV, throw your remote, and swear off football for the rest of the year.

Keep in mind I AM a die-hard fan.  I have hope they can reach the playoffs again and quite possibly be a contender.  However, I am also a realist.  I know the familiar bitter taste of defeat (don't we all), and I know how to recognize a tough scenario.  And if this is too hard for you to guess a game that we may lose to cost us the playoffs, let me rephrase it: Which game do you think will be the toughest, meanest, most grinding win this season?

Because afterall, if you think they have no chance of winning a certain game, and they end up surprising you by pulling it off, isn't that the greatest feeling? (hint hint last year)