Tag: 2021 Cincinnati Bengals schedule

Bengals are one of three teams with rare schedule structure in 2021

The Cincinnati Bengals are one of a few teams with rare three-game stretches in 2021.

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There are many takeaways to consider when looking at the recently revealed 2021 Cincinnati Bengals schedule.

One of those is the fact the team plays so many games away and at home in a row.

Starting in Week 6, for example, the Bengals have to play three straight road games against Detroit, Baltimore and the New York Jets.

According to The Athletic’s Greg Auman, only the Cowboys, Colts and Bengals have three straight at home and away. Two other teams have three straight at home.

The flip side is the three straight home games starting in Week 12, where the Bengals will take on the Steelers, Chargers and 49ers all in a row at Paul Brown Stadium.

Really, the Bengals can’t feel too sour about the three straight road games early in the season — they finish the season playing five of their final seven at home, with one of the two road trips a simple trek up the highway to Cleveland.

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6 most important games on the Cincinnati Bengals schedule in 2021

A look at the most important games on the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals schedule.

Some games stick out more than others on the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals schedule.

That’s just how it goes every year. A cross-conference game against Detroit in Week 6, for example, just isn’t all that important.

Divisional implications, litmus tests, critical stretches of the season and key storylines — those are the games that stick out now that the schedule has gone public.

These are the most important games on this year’s Bengals schedule.

6 most important games on the Cincinnati Bengals schedule in 2021

A look at the most important games on the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals schedule.

Some games stick out more than others on the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals schedule.

That’s just how it goes every year. A cross-conference game against Detroit in Week 6, for example, just isn’t all that important.

Divisional implications, litmus tests, critical stretches of the season and key storylines — those are the games that stick out now that the schedule has gone public.

These are the most important games on this year’s Bengals schedule.

NFL says Bengals aren’t prime time attraction — for now

The Cincinnati Bengals don’t have many games in prime time in 2021.

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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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Vikings vs. Bengals in Week 1 features Justin Jefferson vs. Ja’Marr Chase

Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow will reunite in Week 1 for Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals.

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The LSU band is about to get back together in Week 1.

With the 2021 NFL schedule slowly getting rolled out, we now know the Cincinnati Bengals will play host to the Minnesota Vikings to kick off the season.

Which means Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will reunite not only with fifth overall pick Ja’Marr Chase, but also spar with former target Justin Jefferson of the Vikings.

While gunning for a title in 2019 at LSU, Chase led the Tigers in receiving at 1,780 yards and 20 scores. But thanks to Burrow, Jefferson wasn’t far behind at 1,540 yards and 18 scores.

As a rookie, Jefferson stunned on his way to 1,400 yards and seven scores, averaging 15.9 yards per catch with seven 100-yard performances.

Now it all comes full circle at Paul Brown Stadium in Week 1. The Bengals, who appear on schedule to have Burrow back from his rehab in time for the game, hope Chase can follow a similar trajectory as Jefferson and uplift the entire offense.

It turns out that is the second biggest storyline behind Burrow’s return in Week 1, where we’ll see pretty quickly if Chase can follow a similar path as Jefferson by taking on Mike Zimmer’s defense in his debut.

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Bengals 2021 schedule reveal: Cincinnati will play Vikings in Week 1

Here’s who the Cincinnati Bengals will play in Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season.

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While the full 2021 Cincinnati Bengals schedule won’t get released until the event at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday night, Fox got ahead of the curve by announcing its Week 1 slate.

In doing so, it revealed that the Bengals will play the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 of the 2021 season.

That means the Bengals, who hope to have Joe Burrow back on the field to get that connection with fifth pick Ja’Marr Chase going, will also face a stout defensive test against Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson.

Again, the big reveal event tonight will showcase the entire Cincinnati schedule. In the interim, we know every opponent the Bengals will face, plus that new 17th game against San Francisco.

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