Latest news with #GeoffHobson
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Bengals targeted by NFL for late-season schedule shifts
Bengals targeted by NFL for late-season schedule shifts The Cincinnati Bengals, if nothing else, have possible shots at more primetime games than expected in 2025 thanks to the NFL's ever-expanding ability to flex games. So while the Bengals currently have four primetime games, with three of those coming on the road, those in charge of making the schedule were mindful about leaving openings late in the season for more. Mike North, the NFL's vice president of broadcast planning and scheduling, told Geoff Hobson of the following: "I like the flexibility down the stretch and I also like that they are earmarked for some big windows." RELATED: Cincinnati Bengals 2025 game-by-game predictions following schedule release It's not hard to see what the NFL set up starting in December: Week 14: at Buffalo (4:25 p.m. ET) Week 15: vs. Baltimore Week 16: vs. at Miami (8:20 p.m. ET) Week 17: vs. Arizona Week 18: vs. Cleveland The NFL technically considers a late-afternoon kickoff like the Buffalo game a "national" spotlight, so maybe that one doesn't get flexed. But the other three games can move around -- and the last two games of the year don't even have a set date or time yet. It takes two to make a game flex, of course. The Bengals have to be in the running for the playoffs and their opponent doing the same would be nice. But there's wiggle room to see plenty more of the Bengals in primetime, or at least the late-afternoon window, once December starts. RELATED: Bengals schedule release: Quick thoughts on primetime games and more
USA Today
16-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Bengals players respond to schedule backlash
Bengals players respond to schedule backlash Cincinnati Bengals fans might be mad about certain details on the 2025 NFL schedule, like the fact they have to play the Baltimore Ravens in primetime on the road during a short week yet again. But it doesn't sound like Bengals players share the same distaste for the 2025 schedule. Speaking with Geoff Hobson of center Ted Karras made sure to go over the positive talking points of the just-released schedule. "It's an advantageous schedule. I love it. Week 10 bye. Perfect," Karras said. "Nine games before, eight games after. Perfect split. No international games. That's an advantage. The lowest travel miles of any team with (8,753). A chance to get a win in the division right away (at Cleveland in the opener). Love it." RELATED: Cincinnati Bengals 2025 game-by-game predictions following schedule release Tight end Mike Gesicki was one of the players hyped about the game on Thanksgiving, too: "I've played on Christmas. I've played on Christmas Eve. But never Thanksgiving. That's cool. That's what everybody wants. A big stage, a lot of people watching, a big game, two really good teams. I don't think the day or night changes the magnitude of the game." That's certainly one way to look at the Thursday night trip to Baltimore on a short week, especially when considering after that November 27 game, the Bengals don't play again until December 7, a trip to Buffalo. RELATED: Bengals schedule release: Quick thoughts on primetime games and more
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bengals vs. Steelers could be heading for Thanksgiving showdown
The Cincinnati Bengals project to feature plenty in the national spotlight of primetime games in 2025 when the NFL gets around to finally releasing the schedule. And it sounds like a showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers could happen on a major holiday. Advertisement Speaking with Geoff Hobson of NFL vice president of broadcasting planning and scheduling Mike North suggested a Bengals-Steelers matchup is one possibility for Thanksgiving night: "Dallas and Detroit are traditional venues for Thanksgiving Day, but that Thanksgiving night game moves around, and you talk about that Cincy-Pittsburgh game, that could be a possible home. Could the Bengals and the Steelers meet each other on Thanksgiving night? That's an option as well." The Bengals have been sniffing around becoming a holiday staple during the Joe Burrow era. They even asked the NFL about being featured on the new Black Friday game every year. So far, no dice, but that could change this year with the team hosting AFC North opponents and featuring other notables on the schedule such as the Buffalo Bills. Advertisement Beyond the above, North also mentioned the likelihood of the Bengals going international for a 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff on NFL Network. Whether that's in Dublin against the Steelers or something else, though, apparently remains undecided. Rumors circulated even by Burrow himself have hinted at a showdown with the Miami Dolphins in Madrid this year. Overall? Expect to see the Bengals roughly five or so times outside of non-1 p.m. ET kickoffs next year before any flex scheduling changeups. This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals vs. Steelers could be heading for Thanksgiving showdown
USA Today
03-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Bengals vs. Steelers could be heading for Thanksgiving showdown
The Cincinnati Bengals project to feature plenty in the national spotlight of primetime games in 2025 when the NFL gets around to finally releasing the schedule. And it sounds like a showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers could happen on a major holiday. Speaking with Geoff Hobson of NFL vice president of broadcasting planning and scheduling Mike North suggested a Bengals-Steelers matchup is one possibility for Thanksgiving night: "Dallas and Detroit are traditional venues for Thanksgiving Day, but that Thanksgiving night game moves around, and you talk about that Cincy-Pittsburgh game, that could be a possible home. Could the Bengals and the Steelers meet each other on Thanksgiving night? That's an option as well." The Bengals have been sniffing around becoming a holiday staple during the Joe Burrow era. They even asked the NFL about being featured on the new Black Friday game every year. So far, no dice, but that could change this year with the team hosting AFC North opponents and featuring other notables on the schedule such as the Buffalo Bills. Beyond the above, North also mentioned the likelihood of the Bengals going international for a 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff on NFL Network. Whether that's in Dublin against the Steelers or something else, though, apparently remains undecided. Rumors circulated even by Burrow himself have hinted at a showdown with the Miami Dolphins in Madrid this year. Overall? Expect to see the Bengals roughly five or so times outside of non-1 p.m. ET kickoffs next year before any flex scheduling changeups.
