Cincinnati will have an opportunity to send a major message in these contests.
Every game on the NFL schedule is important, as the outcome of a single contest could ultimately mean the difference between making the playoffs or not. But, some games provide a more optimized opportunity to make a statement than others. With that said, ere’s a look at the three biggest statement games on the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2024 schedule.
3. Week 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens won the AFC North in 2023, so a victory over them early in the season would certainly send a message, especially to the rest of the division. Plus, a home win over the rival Ravens could provide some increased confidence for the Bengals to carry throughout the rest of the campaign, and it would also help them in the division standings. If they’re able to stack some divisional wins early on, it could potentially help to relieve a little bit of pressure later on in the season.
2. Week 14 at Dallas Cowboys (Monday Night Football)
Monday Night Football provides the perfect backdrop for a major statement game, as it is the only game on at the time and is televised nationally across the country. In Week 14, the Bengals will have an opportunity to go into Dallas and make a major statement with a win over the Cowboys.
Obviously, the import of this game will depend on how well the two teams have played up to that point in the season, but both are expected to be in the thick of the playoff picture in their respective conferences. If both teams are fighting for playoff positioning, the Bengals going into Dallas and besting the Cowboys would send a signal to the rest of the league that they’re capable of going on the road and winning an important game in enemy territory — something they could very well have to do in the playoffs.
1. Week 2 at Kansas City Chiefs
There’s no bigger statement game for the Cincinnati Bengals than squaring off against the defending champions on their home field during the second week of the 2024 NFL season. The game will serve as an excellent measuring stick for the Bengals, who will likely have to ultimately go through the Chiefs if they want to make it back to the Super Bowl. After all, these two teams met in consecutive AFC Championnships in 2022 and 2023.
With a win in this game, the Bengals will send an early message to the rest of the AFC — and to the league at large — that they mean business after missing out on the playoffs in 2023.
