So long as they don’t stumble their way through the first half of the season again, Bengals fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about this team.

Neutrals should be too.

Joe Burrow was delivering at an MVP level in 2024, and arguably could have won the award had the Bengals finished in a wildcard spot. The front office chose to keep him happy this offseason, locking down both Tee Higgins and triple crown winner Ja’Marr Chase for the foreseeable future, ensuring their high-scoring style of play remains a staple of Bengals football going forward.

Their defense is quite the opposite. Comfortably one of the worst in the NFL by virtually every metric, they needed an overhaul this offseason.

They tried, but it may not be enough.

Last season’s sack leader, Trey Hendrickson, is holding in for a new deal, while contract drama with first-rounder Shemar Stewart further damaged the franchise’s reputation. Bengals fans will be hoping that new defensive coordinator Al Golden can help turn things around in 2025.

📺 Top 5 Must-Watch Bengals Games in 2025

🏈 Week 3 (Sept 21) - @ Minnesota Vikings

CBS/Paramount+, 1:00 PM ET

Early season clash with one of the NFC’s most explosive offenses of 2024, it will be a real test for the Bengals' defense to stop Jefferson and co if JJ McCarthy keeps this offense ticking over.

🏈 Week 5 (Oct 5) - vs Detroit Lions

FOX, 4:25 PM ET

Another strong NFC offense, with a defensive unit that will have Aidan Hutchinson, among others, back in 2025. All the trappings of a great back-and-forth game.

🏈 Week 7 (Oct 16) - vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Prime Video, 8:15 PM ET

Classic division rival matchup on primetime against a Steelers team that is the inverse of the Bengals: great defense, weak offense.

🏈 Week 13 (Nov 27) - @ Baltimore Ravens

NBC, 8:20 PM ET

Thanksgiving night game against another division rival, except the Ravens also have one of the NFL’s most potent offenses. Never a dull affair between these two…

🏈 Week 14 (Dec 7) - @ Buffalo Bills

FOX, 4:25 PM ET

Sandwiched between games against Baltimore, this paltry Bengals defense will have to try and stop the reigning MVP in Buffalo in December. It will be quite the sight to behold.

🌙 Bengals in Prime Time: When to Tune In

Sunday Night (SNF) Games
- Week 16 @ Miami
Monday Night (MNF) Games
- Week 4 @ Denver
Thursday Night (TNF) Games
- Week 7 vs Pittsburgh
- Week 13 @ Baltimore
Thanksgiving Day
- Week 13 @ Baltimore

This is only the second time in Bengals history that they are slated to play on Thanksgiving Day. The last time they did was back in 2010, when they lost 26-10 to the New York Jets. While they currently have 4 primetime games, there is a possibility that their week 17 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals gets flexed into a primetime spot.

⭐️2025 Star Players to Watch

🔥 On OffenseJoe Burrow – One of the league’s best QBs by any metric, singlehandedly kept Cincy alive.Ja’Marr Chase – Burrow’s go-to guy, 2024 Triple Crown winner, Chase is the WR1.Tee Higgins – Perfect foil to Chase; bigger-bodied wideout the Bengals were happy to keep.

Chase Brown – Last season’s breakout player on this offense, a tough, versatile running back.

🛡️ On DefenseTrey Hendrickson– 2024 sack leader, one of the most disruptive players at the line in the NFL.Shemar Stewart – First-round DE who has moved past contract issues, possessing all of the physical gifts to be a game-wrecker in Cincinnati.

How to Watch the Bengals in 2025

It varies game to game. For the best, most in-depth access, NFL Network offers the most complete coverage. Nationally broadcast games are available on major networks such as Fox, CBS, and NBC, with other offerings on Prime Video and Netflix as well.

💡 Pro Tip: For full schedule and TV listings, visit our Cincinnati Bengals Subpage.

🧠Final Thought: Can they get back to the playoffs?

A fast start will be crucial for Cincinnati in 2025. Slow beginnings have plagued them the past two seasons, forcing uphill battles that ultimately cost them in the playoff race. The talent is undeniable, and they just need to give themselves a real shot. If the Bengals can avoid another 4-8 opening stretch, a deep postseason run and dreams of February football remain well within reach.

📲 Don’t miss a moment — bookmark our Cincinnati Bengals Team Page to stay up-to-date all season long.

Written by: Venuse, Inc. (Sports Content Creator)

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