The Cincinnati Bengals seem like one of the NFL’s more interesting teams heading into the 2020 season.
Fresh off actually resetting the roster to Zac Taylor’s vision with big spending in free agency and the draft class headed up by Joe Burrow, the Bengals seem ready to actually start a new era.
Thursday, the NFL will announce the official 2020 schedule. When they do, these games figure to be the likeliest to earn a prime time slot. While the Bengals have one of the easier schedules and some dud matchups (vs. Jaguars, anyone?), there is still some big prime time potential.
Bengals vs. Redskins
Chase Young and Joe Burrow are headed for a historic matchup.
This is one of the rare games where the first pick will square off against the second pick. Even better, it features a pair of rebuilding teams with young quarterbacks just looking to rewrite narratives, both on the field and when it comes to cultures.
Bengals vs. Dolphins
Burrow vs. Tua, anyone?
We know the Dolphins were calling the Bengals trying to trade up to No. 1 for Burrow. Miami ended up settling for Tua Tagovailoa, which isn’t a terrible fate given his high upside.
Schedule-makers would be banking on Tua actually starting as a rookie for this one. But it’d be a fun bet to make — and a fun showdown to watch.
Chargers vs. Bengals
Justin Herbert has been a little lost in the debate behind Burrow and Tua lately.
But Herbert figures to squeak past Tyrod Taylor and win the starting job for the Chargers. It’d be interesting to see him square off with Burrow — while also taking a long road trip to Cincinnati and hoping to navigate a strong Bengals pass-rush.
Cowboys vs. Bengals
It turns out Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton will visit the Bengals in 2020.
Odd sentence, right?
Dalton isn’t going to be starting by any means. But it’s going to be fun to see him in a different uniform and returning home to what should be an interesting response from the fanbase. And playing Dallas right now is always worth a primetime slot.
Bengals vs. Ravens
Not too long ago, Dalton was in Baltimore hitting a game-winning pass that poetically sent the Bills to the playoffs, ending a drought.
This time, it’s Burrow leading the charge into Baltimore for what should be the first time. Responding to that level of challenge against an elite defense — while dueling against Lamar Jackson — would make for a great weekly feature.
Steelers vs. Bengals
Burrow welcomes the Steelers to Paul Brown Stadium for the first time.
There isn’t too much else that needs said. The Steelers figure to have Ben Roethlisberger back under center and should otherwise continue to be a threat in the AFC North.
Burrow, the potential savior of a franchise, will have a chance to knock off a team that has routinely done whatever it wants against the Bengals in front of a national audience.
