Cincinnati Bengals fans and others noticed something peculiar during the 2025 NFL schedule release.
But it’s becoming so common now that it isn’t all that strange.
Tucked into the Bengals’ 2025 schedule is the fact they have to go on the road to play the Baltimore Ravens on a short turnaround to a Thursday night game. Meaning, the fourth season in a row the Bengals have to play in Baltimore on primetime.
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Given the competitive advantage this throws to the Ravens, understandably, Mike North, V.P. NFL Broadcast Planning & Scheduling, was asked about the topic by Kay Adams and had this to say:
There’s nothing anyone behind the schedule could say to make Bengals fans feel better on this topic. But going to Baltimore in primetime, while only hosting the Ravens in standard 1 p.m. ET slots, is indeed a trend now.
And this year’s version is downright brutal: The Bengals play in Baltimore on a short week in Week 13, turn around and play at the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, then host the Ravens in Week 15. That’s the sort of season-defining stretch that clinches playoffs and awards like MVPs, or puts nails in coffins.
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