What can I say I don’t feel like talking about John Ross’ 5th year option that we didn’t exercise or writing a goodbye Andy Dalton thank you love letter. I want to talk about the bright future, make crazy claims and just be a fan. So in that spirit I am going to tell you right now the wins and losses of 2020 and how I think the Bengals will come out with a cocktail in hand.
Cleveland Browns (Win and Loss) – Normally I would say double-win because I hate the Browns and think they are a dumpster fire organization. Mayfield is either going to be really good or poop the bed in 2020 and it will define his future in Cleveland. Since we have a rookie QB and they are going to have a really good D I am going splitting games with the Browns. Record: 1-1
Baltimore Ravens (Win and Loss) – The Ravens are going to be really good on offense this year (again) but I think their defense is going to struggle a bit because of their secondary and suspect linebackers. We also have the Ravens number in Baltimore and I expect Burrow and crew to keep the tradition alive. Record: 2-2
Pittsburgh Steelers (Win and Loss) – Yes I know, there is a trend here but I think we lose at Pittsburgh…because well it is Pittsburgh. I think the kid wins the home game because I don’t think the Steelers are going to be that good. Their D is suspect, their QB is another year older (even though he is a HOFer), their receivers are meh (JuJu might not be that great) and quite honestly I just don’t see it out of them. Record: 3-3
Dallas Cowboys (Loss) – These guys are loaded and will probably win the NFC East. The Dak Attack with their new toy (Jeudy) and Zeke firing on all cylinders will be too much for a retooling Bengals defense. They also have Andy Dalton now so his stares from the bench will burn through our souls. The Cowboy defense will be stout and the bottom line is that the Cowboys are a better team, no shame. Record 3-4
Jacksonville Jaguars (Win) – This could go either way for me because if things go south with Minshew. The Jags could still be conference contenders but if the Bengals catch them early, vulnerable and with limited tape on Burrow I can see us stealing this one. Record 4-4
New York Giants (Win) – The Giants have to be better this year and I really think Daniel Jones is shabby. I think that their offensive line can be exploited and put a lot of pressure on Jones to make mistakes. I also think that their defense could be pounded by our run game and they will get a healthy dose of Mixon. It’s a home game, that helps. Record: 5-4
Tennessee Titans (Loss) – Tannehill was not a flash in the pan, the dude is seriously a good QB and his time in Miami was a sham. They have Henry back and that guy is a monster. They made steps in the offseason and will be contenders to win the AFC as is. Record: 5-5
LA Chargers (Loss) – I say loss because the Chargers aren’t a bad lineup and if we face Tyrod Taylor he is a proven veteran. If we face Justin Herbert then this switches to a W real quick. Once the schedule is released and we see how this QB competition goes I could revise this one. Record: 5-6
Houston Texans (Loss) – Big time loss and I think the Texans are going to be really good (again) even though their coach/GM/czar BoB is a nut job. Watson is ridiculous and even though they lost their best receiver they replaced him with Brandin Cooks who is no slacker. hey are still a good team from top to bottom and I expect going into Houston is going to be hard. Record: 5-7
Indianapolis Colts (Loss) – Rivers was not good in 2019 but a change of scenery to an even deeper team could help a rebound. The Colts are a sneaky good team and if Andrew Luck would have not quit….uhhhh retired then they would have been contenders last season. Brissett is okay but Rivers is better. Record: 5-8
Philadelphia Eagles (Loss) – I like the Eagles but I hate the city of Philly (it’s gross). Wentz and crew are a good team and could contend with the Cowboys for the division. If Wentz stays heathy he is one of the better QBs in the league (despite the haters). Their defense is going to be tougher and walking into Philly is never easy. They are just better so I can’t see us walking out with a dub. Record: 5-9
Washington Redskins (Win) – Dwayne Haskins got better at the end of last year but Burrow is already in front of him in terms of NFL readiness. The Skins had a good draft but it’s not enough yet. They have problems in the secondary and their offensive line. Their RB is never healthy and AP is getting long in the tooth. They also have TE problems. We role into the Nation’s capital and drop some points in Fedex. Suck it Snyder. Record: 6-9
Miami Dolphins (Win) – The media is going to want this to be a Tua versus Burrow prove-it party but he could sit all year. Fitzmagic will run out at some point and another tank-a-thon could be underway (again). The Dolphins added a lot of talent but I recall the Browns doing this a few years back and it just didn’t mesh. The Bengals are a better team and I like our odds in Miami. Record: 7-9
There you have it Bengals fans, the official BengalsGM prediction for 2020 on 5/2/2020 is a 7-9 record. It’s a step in the right direction and will give us Wild Card hopes. We aren’t making the playoffs next year but we want to see growth and steps in the proper direction. If we go 7-9 I will be a happy camper.