Expert (of sorts): Bengals face NFL’s easiest schedule, lining up to run table

There is good news for the Bengals even before they finish their first training camp practice, as it has been learned that they will play the NFL’s easiest schedule.

At least that’s what some numbers-cruncher from ESPN is suggesting.

2017 NFL Strength of Schedule (Based on each team's current rosters - not that 2016 win% nonsense) pic.twitter.com/8RuhQglPWZ
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) July 27, 2017

Mike Clay, whose Twitter handle @MikeClayNFL reads, "ESPN Fantasy Football/NFL/Projection guy," has a methodology, and it's somewhere on his feed but not so easy to find.

Whatever the case, this surely registers as a most positive omen for the Bengals as they seek to return to the playoffs after missing out last season following a five-year postseason run.

They open the regular season Sept. 10 at home against the Ravens. Here’s some other guy’s projection on how that game and the rest of Cincinnati’s schedule will go with a not-as-fancy-but-easier-to-understand chart.

Date Opponent Result Analysis

Sept. 10 Ravens Win Obviously; Flacco may not even play

Sept. 14 Texans Win Won’t be humid enough for Houston

Sept. 24 @Packers Win Rodgers is a flash in the pan

Oct. 1 @Browns Win Cincy will break hearts in The ‘Land

Oct. 8 Bills Win Buffalo need open plains

Oct. 22 @Steelers Win Unless Pittsburgh cheats again

Oct. 29 Colts Win Indy doesn’t have enough Luck

Nov. 5 @Jaguars Win An early holiday for good guys

Nov. 12 @Titans Win Teeny Titans don’t measure up

Nov. 19 @Broncos Win Denver will feel like Death Valley

Nov. 26 Browns Win Amazing the NFL ordered rematch