Cincinnati Bengals: 2019 season pre-draft record prediction
By Kenn Korb
November
Week 9: BYE
After a very slow start, a three-game stretch against somewhat easier competition in October is the perfect opportunity for the new offensive system to finally begin falling into place and functioning at a level that can win games. Unfortunately, the second half of the schedule may be even more treacherous, so any major improvements may be more of the “moral victory” type going forward.
Week 10: vs. Baltimore
The bye week acts as a perfect salve to heal from a beatdown. Including their win a few weeks back, the Bengals are now 9-3 against Baltimore in recent years, and as long as Dalton doesn’t implode (always a possibility), they are poised to give the Ravens all they can handle. If they can force the Jackson-led group into needing to come from behind, the fledgling passer can be overtaken yet again. It would be cool to see Cincinnati’s best offensive output of Taylor’s tenure come to fruition against their hated rivals.
Cincinnati 35, Baltimore 22
Week 11: at Oakland
Since Jon Gruden got that huge contract with the Raiders, they’ve been perhaps the biggest circus in the league. There’s little reason to believe that’ll change anytime soon, and that’ll continue to prevent them from being a good team on the field — even with the addition of Antonio Brown and numerous first round picks. With the chance to reach .500, this is exactly the sort of game Cincinnati could’ve been counted on to lose before. This is an early chance for Taylor to set himself apart.
Cincinnati 27, Oakland 24
Week 12: vs. Pittsburgh
Until Cincinnati actually beats Pittsburgh, I won’t ever pick them to do so. All the good vibes earned from winning five of six are immediately squashed, and the team will likely be left just as battered and disappointed as they always are when they face the Steelers
Pittsburgh 27, Cincinnati 23
Week 13: vs. New York Jets
There’s an outside chance of the Jets taking a big step forward. Sam Darnold ended 2018 well and Adam Gase should mold the offense into a more functional machine. Match it with even a decent defense and there’s a path to 10-6. With the Bengals coming off another the brutal Pittsburgh defeat, it leaves them vulnerable to being beaten by 2019’s possible surprise team.
New York Jets 26, Cincinnati 23