Bengals’ 2021 schedule among NFL’s most challenging

The Cincinnati Bengals finished the 2020 season with four wins and were just 1-5 against AFC North competition. With one of the more difficult schedules a season ago, the team will have to prepare for more of the same as the 2021 season will be filled with new challenges.

On Wednesday, NFL teams released their respective schedule. Taking a holistic look at the team’s schedule compared to those around the NFL, it’s clear that Cincinnati could take a beating this upcoming season.

For starters, they’ll be playing in one of the most difficult divisions.

The Browns, Steelers, and Ravens were all playoff-caliber teams a season ago. The Steelers may have taken a hit this offseason, but the Browns and Ravens both arguably improved their roster.

On top of that, the Bengals have a few tough games on their slate as they’ll be taking on Los Angeles, Green Bay, and Kansas City. Winning any of those games, assuming Aaron Rodgers plays for the Packers, would be impressive.

Combine all that, and according to Warren Sharp and the team of analysts at Sharp Football, the Bengals have the 28th hardest schedule in the NFL this upcoming season. Only the Lions, Steelers, Texans, and Raiders have it worse off.

Having yet to commence even the rookie minicamps, fans should be excited about what’s to come. However, expect some struggle to hit this team given their incredibly tough schedule this coming season.

Now, the team does have very winnable games against Chicago, Jacksonville, Denver, New York (Jets), and Detroit, so hopefully, they end with at least a handful of wins with the new, high-ceiling talent now in the Queen City.