The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for their 2025 regular season, and it’s already generating some buzz following the release of their schedule earlier this month. A notable talking point? The Bengals are set to make their third consecutive trip to Baltimore for a Thursday night matchup.
NFL Vice President of Broadcast Planning, Mike North, acknowledged that this repeat occurrence deserves scrutiny. He highlighted that while the league adapts and rotates schedules, situations like this — where a team faces the same scenario multiple times in a row — warrant attention. “It’s fair,” North shared, “It’s not just a one-or-two-year cycle where you can magically fix every problem. Once trends like this start, we probably have to adjust at some point.”
This continued sequence of primetime games in Baltimore isn’t sitting well with everyone. Quarterback Joe Burrow voiced his thoughts about the situation, noting, “Playing in Baltimore for the fourth straight primetime year isn’t ideal. Maybe we could get one of those in Cincinnati next year, please.” His comments reflect the sentiments of many fans who are eager to see their team shine on home turf under the lights.
Even North expressed a hint of regret over the scheduling choices, indicating that if he could alter one game, he’d consider that third straight short-week game against the Ravens on November 27. “If I could wave a magic wand,” he mused, “that’s the game I’d like to change.”
As for the Bengals, they’re on a quest to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022. After finishing with a 9-8 record the past two seasons, the team is eager to capitalize on its opportunities. Meanwhile, the Ravens are looking to make history by being the first team to secure the AFC North title for three consecutive years.
North acknowledged the disappointment that fans may feel, but he also reassured that they are not alone in their frustration. “I’m sure the Bengals fans are a little surprised and probably a little disappointed,” he said, “which puts them in the same category as all 31 other teams. Everybody is just a little disappointed in the schedule makers.”
With anticipation building, Bengals fans will be watching closely as their team navigates the challenges of the season ahead, including this unique scheduling quirk that has become part of their narrative.
