HoosierCat Posted April 21, 2017 Report Share Posted April 21, 2017 The more I look at it, the more I realize the beginning of this schedule is a f**king nightmare. We all know this team has never dealt well with getting bounced around; they do best when they get nice, regular 1 p.m. Sunday games week after week. This year they play two games in the first four days, then one game in 16 days, then 2 games in seven days followed by a two-week layoff. My 1-4 prediction over that time might be optimistic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMPHAR Posted April 21, 2017 Report Share Posted April 21, 2017 I'm feeling homerish and that last time they opened at home was 2009. The last time they had this schedule combo with the NFC North was 2009. They've won the division every year when playing the NFC North under Lewis. The AFC North 3rd place finisher historically performs very well the next year and often wins the division. Last time they had major O-line issues was coming off 2008 and going into 2009. I'm going to say a workman like blue collar record of 10-6 that gives them the division championship. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted April 21, 2017 Report Share Posted April 21, 2017 I doubt 10-6 wins the AFCN this year. Playing the lousy NFC North is definitely a blessing, but the rest of the division gets to play them too. Strength of schedule for 2017: Bengals .449 (4th easiest) Steelers .453 (5th) Ravens .461 (8th) Browns .469 (12th) As painful as it is to admit, the Steelers will likely go through that schedule like a hot knife through butter. I'd bet this year it will take at least 12 wins for the division crown. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted April 22, 2017 Report Share Posted April 22, 2017 I use to really care about when they play. Now ?? Not so much. The Texans game is the Thursday night opener and my son is excited about that. That's the only game I plan on attending and wouldn't if not for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingwilly Posted April 22, 2017 Report Share Posted April 22, 2017 Can't imagine this team being better than 8-8, and as bad as 5-11. I've got little confidence in the O-line, and the D is another year older, window closing a bit more. Not much to rave about. Now, watch them pull a 13-3. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted April 22, 2017 Report Share Posted April 22, 2017 There are so many variables heading into this year. Thing is, they need most of them to go right in order to really compete for the AFCN title. The o-line is the single largest concern for me at this point. The play of the LB's and getting a pass rush from the front 7 is a close #2. From my standpoint, that's a ton to overcome. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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