Three Biggest Games: Cincinnati Bengals

The only thing more heartbreaking than being a losing franchise for so long is being a franchise on the cusp of winning yet still finding a way to crush your fan’s hopes. Unfortunately for the Cincinnati Bengals, they have felt both disappointments in droves over the last decade. In 2015, it could be a late-season three-game stretch that decides whether the team finally makes noise in the playoffs, or bows out in another unceremonious display.

Week 14 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The gauntlet begins at home, against the team that made out like thieves in the night with the AFC North title last season. The Steelers typically leave their best football for December, and this crucial divisional clash should be no exception. Pittsburgh was the only AFC North team to sweep Cincinnati last season. In an incredibly tight division, it meant Cincy was forced on the road to Indy, where they were thoroughly stomped by a classy Colts outfit. It’s hard to say if the Bengals would have fared much better against the Ravens at home, but revenge will be on their mind regardless.

Week 15 at San Fransisco 49ers

The 49ers could end 2015 holding the number one overall pick, or preparing to host a playoff game, and it wouldn’t surprise anyone either way. With a new head coach, new scheme and a new era for Niner Nation, nobody truly knows how harmonious this union is going to be. Luckily for the Bengals, the 49ers will have shown who they are by week 15, making this Sunday Night Football battle either a highly anticipated primetime affair, or the quintessential trap game. The division could be won by the end of this week, so losing is not an option.

Week 16 at Denver Broncos

In the last of the Bengals’ four primetime games in 2015, they venture to Denver to take on the team that looked like it would be the sacrificial lamb to Cincy’s success last season. In the corresponding week last year, the Broncos had no answer for the Bengals pass rush, while the Cincy offense ran riot en route to a 37-28 victory. But this one’s in Denver, and Peyton Manning’s health will be the ultimate factor in this Monday night affair. Expect a desperate battle between two teams that may find themselves clawing for a sixth and final wildcard spot.