It’s a long way to January, and after four straight exits in the Wildcard round, the Bengals can’t judge a season as successful until they win at least one playoff game.

 

But nobody in the AFC North woke up Monday morning feeling better about their play — or their situation — than the 3-0 Bengals.

 

The Bengals won a wild one Sunday, 28-24, to drop the Ravens to 0-3. The Ravens play Thursday night at the 2-1 Steelers, who lost quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in their win Sunday. The 1-2 Browns are still the Browns.

 

No one inside will say it, but the Bengals see opportunity to create some space between themselves and the rest of the division. And though that whole big game thing still looms, Andy Dalton has been sharp and efficient in delivering the ball toA.J. Green, Marvin Jones and Tyler Eifert. Maybe it was a little over the top last week when Ravens coach John Harbaugh called the Bengals the most talented team in the NFL, but they’re in the discussion.

 

The Bengals host the Chiefs, who will be on a short-week situation, next Sunday. They host the Seahawks on Oct. 11, then play at the Bills before a bye week, after which they play at the Steelers in what may or may not be Roethlisberger’s first game back from a knee injury. There are no easy games in that stretch, but there is opportunity for the Bengals to stay hot and create some separation.

 

Bengals have to like current situation, future prospects | ProFootballTalk

With our schedule down the stretch we needed to start off strong and we are in prime position to put the AFC North away early.

And, Go Ravens this week!

I think the Bengals handle the Chiefs on 10/4. Not sure what happens with the Seahawks on 10/11, and I think the Bengals lose in Buffalo.

I don't see them losing at home.

I don't see them losing at home.

 

In each of the last two games (home and away) the Bengals were in position to lose the game.

 

I like this Bengals team but they are struggling to close the deal out when they have their opponent down.

^And yet they win.

 

Almost every game in the league each team is in a position to lose the game.

1st time the Bengals trailed all season was in the 4th quarter of Baltimore game.

1st time the Bengals trailed all season was in the 4th quarter of Baltimore game.

 

And that was for less than a minute wasn't it?

And that was for less than a minute wasn't it?

 

8 seconds.

I think the Bengals handle the Chiefs on 10/4. Not sure what happens with the Seahawks on 10/11, and I think the Bengals lose in Buffalo.

 

Both teams have to travel to Cincy after playing the Monday night game. Schedule makers helped the Bengals out there.

Out of the next three, the Bills are the most likely to beat them. They have really struggle with them lately. Only win was the one a couple of years ago. Just don't like the matchup at all.

 

Seattle is a way different team on the road than at home, although still very good, Bengals matchup well in this one. They are not a high scoring team so 17-20 will be enough, I believe. The Chiefs are very beatable if you can contain Charles. If so, you should win.

I'm still not sure if the Bills are good or not.

 

They looked outstanding against Indy and Miami, but both those teams suck. New England just completely dismantled them. While the Bengals aren't the Patriots, I feel they're a lot more Patriots than they are Dolphins or Colts...:idunno:

^And yet they win.

 

Almost every game in the league each team is in a position to lose the game.

 

Yesterday was strange, though. 8 games were just blowouts or not really in doubt. Pats, Seahawks, Cards, Bills, Vikes, Giants, Texans, Broncos

Anybody for a Buffalo road trip?