What feels like the official reset for the start of the Zac Taylor era begins in 2020 for the Cincinnati Bengals.
And the recently released schedule sure reflects that. The Bengals have two big prime time games and plenty of intrigue throughout the slate.
Here’s a look at the games we’re most excited about in 2020.
Week 2: at Cleveland (TNF)
Burrow’s first prime time game comes alongside his first-ever road game and first Battle of Ohio.
What’s not to like?
The Browns have been on the receiving end of a ton of hype again. Much of it is warranted based on the on-paper additions and outlook. But we’ll have an early-season look at whether the hype can translate given that the Bengals figure to boast a strong pass-rush again.
This also gives us an opportunity to find out whether Taylor’s Bengals are ready for the biggest of stages now that the team has a new attitude around it.
Week 13: at Miami
The first half of the schedule is a little weak.
But boy does it open up in the second half.
The uptick starts in Week 13 against Miami, where we should get to see Burrow take on Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins wanted Burrow and asked the Bengals multiple times about dealing No. 1 — no dice.
Tagovailoa is a very, very special rookie with upside in his own right. The two will get to meet head-to-head in a sleeper candidate for best game of the week outright.
Week 14: vs. Dallas
Dallas was an interesting game on the schedule well before the Cowboys added Andy Dalton.
That sure doesn’t hurt though.
By Week 14, we should have a pretty good idea of who these Bengals are. More specifically, we should know whether the dramatic overhaul of the roster on the defensive side of the ball worked. Do new starters D.J. Reader, Trae Waynes and rookies such as linebacker Logan Wilson have enough to stop Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper, Ezekiel Elliott and CeeDee Lamb?
We’ll find out.
Week 15: vs. Pittsburgh (MNF)
What, think a game against Pittsburgh wasn’t going to qualify?
The NFL got it right with this one — two bitter rivals who just don’t like each other and tend to have wild things happen during their games will meet again on Monday Night Football.
This time? A franchise pinning its hopes on Joe Burrow will be in the finishing stages of a critical season. And a Steelers team hoping a returning Ben Roethlisberger can lead them back to playoff contention and more will be finding out whether that’s in the cards.
We won’t even try to pretend to predict what happens in this one — but rest assured we’ll be looking back on Week 15 as a measuring stick for a long time.
Week 16: at Houston
Another good measuring stick?
Deshaun Watson.
Watson carves up NFL teams and pretty much does whatever he wants. There’s a reason he’s completed 66.8 percent of his passes on his career with 71 touchdowns over 38 games. Don’t forget the 1,233 yards and 14 touchdowns on a 5.7 per-carry average as a rusher over the same span.
Call this one of the final checkpoints in deciding whether the defensive overhaul worked this season. And Burrow vs. Watson could always be one of the next big waves in the AFC…right?
Week 17: vs. Baltimore
If we spotlight Watson we absolutely have to feature Lamar Jackson.
Jackson had his historic season last year, throwing for 3,127 yards with 36 scores and six picks, rushing for another 1,206 yards and seven scores on a 6.9 per-carry average. In his two meets with the Bengals, Jackson threw for 220-plus yards each time with three touchdowns and no picks. He also ran for 65 yards and a score in one and 152 yards and a score in the other.
Assuming Baltimore has something big to play for in this one, it could go down as another end-of-season classic between the two rivals.
