ESPN analyst makes Bengals' Week 1 and 2 prediction that unfortunately makes sense
This prediction is an odd one that does fit the bill for the Bengals.
ESPN analyst makes Bengals' Week 1 and 2 prediction that unfortunately makes sense originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Cincinnati Bengals have had some frustrating seasons in recent years, with injuries, poor defensive performances, and questionable coaching since their Super Bowl run in 2021.
While they've only sported a losing record in one of the four years since that Super Bowl appearance, the Bengals have had one issue come up consistently: slow starts to the season. Ironically, their lone losing record featured a 2-0 start. But, in all of their other seasons, they dropped the first few games and wound up above .
500. ESPN's Ben Baby is predicting a similar unfortunate outcome will occur in 2026. "The Bengals will start the season 0-2 but find their form in the middle of the season," Baby predicts.
"Slow starts have been an issue for Cincinnati in the past. And opening with Tampa Bay and Houston could prove a challenge for the Bengals, who have a lot to prove. " Thanks to a tough start to their season, this prediction from Baby, while unfortunate, is one that makes sense and might actually be a good omen for success.