Exhale, Bengals fans. Your Cincinnati Bengals are staying home and have avoided an NFL International Series game for the 2024 season. The NFL schedule is set to be released this evening, May 15, but that has not stopped the insiders and “insiders” from leaking each and every crumb of information they get their hands on. This bit of information, however, is straight from the NFL.
The Cincinnati Bengals Avoid an International Game for 2024
Earlier in the offseason, the NFL announced the “home” teams for the various international games. When they announced that the Carolina Panthers would be “hosting” a game, Cincinnati was put on notice as they are scheduled to play at Carolina in 2024. With the official announcement, the Bengals can breathe easy and will get to remain stateside.
In history, the Bengals have only played two international games. Realistically, they’re due and should expect to be selected in 2025. The NFL is planning on increasing the number of international games to eight and the team hasn’t traveled since 2019.
In the more recent of the two matchups, the Bengals lost to the Los Angeles Rams, 24-10 in Wembley Stadium in London. The 2019 season was not exactly a fun one for the Bengals as they finished 2-14. However, that pitiful showing allowed them to draft Joe Burrow first overall, so, even trade. In that game, the Bengals dropped their eighth straight game to start the season. Andy Dalton and Jared Goff combined to throw the ball 83 times for over 700 yards and three scores. Overall, the Bengals were just overmatched as Cooper Kupp, in a bit of foreshadowing, dominated with seven catches, 220 yards, and a touchdown.
In the other matchup, the Bengals tied with the now-Washington Commanders, 27-27 back in 2016. It was not the greatest showing from the Bengals as they failed to win the game on a number of occasions. In overtime, the two teams traded punts, Washington missed a field goal, the Bengals fumbled it back, and then time ran out.
2024 Outlook
The Bengals are expected to have one of the easier schedules in the NFL thanks to their fourth-place finish in the division last year. Considering the team went 9-8 while limping to the finish line without Burrow, the team has high expectations.
In the draft, Cincinnati held onto each of its 10 picks and have been praised for their high-risk, high-reward approach. First-round pick Amarius Mims has impressed in OTAs, second-round pick Kris Jenkins looks like he can contribute right away, and third-rounder Jermaine Burton has flashed thus far.
The Bengals are set to play each of their AFC North foes twice (obviously), then face off against the NFC East, AFC West, and fourth-place teams, Panthers, Patriots, and Titans.
Main Image: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
