The Cincinnati Bengals have revealed their schedule for the 2025 NFL season, and quarterback Joe Burrow has expressed some concerns about it, particularly regarding the Thanksgiving game. On November 27, the Bengals will face the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Burrow pointed out that this will mark the fourth consecutive year that the Bengals will play the Ravens in a primetime matchup on the road.
The recent history between the two teams has not been favorable for the Bengals; the Ravens have emerged victorious in all three previous primetime meetings. Adding to this, the Ravens haven’t lost a home game in primetime since the end of the 2022 season. Burrow, who has yet to play the Ravens in Cincinnati during a primetime regular-season game, hopes the Bengals can secure a home game next year. He stated, “Playing in Baltimore for the fourth straight primetime year isn’t ideal. Maybe we could get one of those in Cincinnati next year. Please.”
Later in the season, the Bengals will have a home game against the Ravens on December 14 at 1 p.m. ET. This is a significant rivalry, as either the Bengals or Ravens have won the AFC North in six of the last seven seasons, prompting the NFL to highlight their matchups in primetime. The last encounter between these teams was particularly thrilling, ending with a narrow 35-34 victory for the Ravens, which had its share of controversy.
In total, the Bengals’ schedule boasts four primetime games next season, but only one of these will take place at home. That home matchup is scheduled for October 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On the other hand, the Ravens also have four primetime games, evenly split between home and away.
While Burrow has specific sentiments about primetime matchups, he did acknowledge a positive aspect of the schedule: the Bengals will have the lowest travel mileage in the league, totaling 8,753 miles. This could be a significant advantage for the team as they navigate their busy season.
One area where Burrow has shown particular interest is in playing international games. He has been vocal about his desire for the Bengals to compete overseas, reflecting his commitment to growing the sport on a global scale. Burrow noted, “Part of the reason I wanted to do the ‘Quarterback’ show is I wanted to grow the game internationally, so to not have a stage like that is a little disappointing. I feel like I’ve consciously worked hard to try to grow the game internationally over the last 18 months or so, so hopefully at some point in my career we can go over there.”
As for the season opener, the Bengals will kick off against the Cleveland Browns on September 7 in a day game. Fans are eager to see how this schedule pans out and how the Bengals will perform, especially in crucial matchups against tough opponents.
With the excitement surrounding the team’s prospects and the challenges they will face, all eyes are on Cincinnati as they prepare for an engaging season ahead.
