04-16-2016, 01:25 PM
The Bengals typically start fast under Lewis. That's a good thing. The toughest games, arguably, are in the first 6 weeks. There are also some potential games against teams that could be easier depending how their season goes.
Both games vs Baltimore, could be easier if their season doesn't go as planned. Same for the Philly and Buffalo games. At Cleveland is better later in the year, given they are likely fighting more for a draft pick than a playoff spot.
Obviously thins could change, but if I'm the Bengals, I'd rather play the tougher teams early, when we're healthier (sans Burfict, obviously). I'd also rather play the fringe playoff teams early, instead of when they are fighting for their lives. I'd rather play the terrible teams late, when they have already given up (look at the top 8 teams in the draft last year in the final 3 weeks...they only really beat each other).
Both games vs Baltimore, could be easier if their season doesn't go as planned. Same for the Philly and Buffalo games. At Cleveland is better later in the year, given they are likely fighting more for a draft pick than a playoff spot.
Obviously thins could change, but if I'm the Bengals, I'd rather play the tougher teams early, when we're healthier (sans Burfict, obviously). I'd also rather play the fringe playoff teams early, instead of when they are fighting for their lives. I'd rather play the terrible teams late, when they have already given up (look at the top 8 teams in the draft last year in the final 3 weeks...they only really beat each other).
