The Cincinnati Bengals start the 2023 NFL season off with a huge test against the Cleveland Browns.
Huge, because Joe Burrow’s Bengals have traditionally struggled against the Browns, in large part because of that Myles Garrett-led pass rush.
But on one of his latest podcast shows of the same name, Rich Eisen handwaved the Week 1 affair as simply not as interesting as the season-opening encounter between division rivals Denver and Las Vegas.
And that’s putting it lightly.
“The Bengals are one of the best teams in the AFC,” Eisen said. “They should go on the road and just dance on top of the elf man. That’s what they should do and I think the better matchup going is Raiders-Broncos.”
Broncos-Raiders might end up having more sheer entertainment value, but the outcome of the in-state rivalry in the AFC North is far from this simple to project.
That’s especially the case this year given two factors — Bengals right tackle La’el Collins doesn’t figure to be ready by Week 1, leaving Jonah Williams to learn the position and start. Plus, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson should be in a groove after practicing timing all summer with his offense.
While “dancing on the Elf” would be nice, the Bengals will just be happy to get out of Cleveland with a win before turning right around and playing Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
