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The 2021 Cincinnati Bengals schedule reveal features plenty of noteworthy items. Joe Burrow will face off against a ton of marquee quarterbacks. They close the season mostly at home or without a ton of travel.
And they only have one prime time game.
That’s a little shocking considering the schedule itself just expanded to 18 weeks to include a 17th game. That, plus the Bengals are becoming quite a bit more likable from a national perspective with Burrow’s swagger leading the way. Adding Ja’Marr Chase and Von Bell’s bullying of the Steelers last year sure doesn’t hurt.
Alas, the only game in prime time as of now is a Week 4 date with Jacksonville. That’s an obvious one too: Burrow, a No. 1 pick, will take on this year’s No. 1 pick, Trevor Lawrence.
Maybe there’s a message in there — the Bengals are close to appearing in a ton of national games. But for now, they’re relegated to the teams with potential bracket, where they get one or two until they can prove they’re on the rise and a ratings draw.
Realistically, it’s a little silly each team isn’t guaranteed a certain number of national games. But the Bengals have all year to prove themselves and if they do, they could always get another through flex scheduling late in the season.
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