Fan Predictions for December Games of the Cincinnati Bengals

As December arrives and the Cincinnati Bengals enter the most critical stretch of their season, fans have wasted no time sharing their predictions for the team’s upcoming games—turning social media, fan forums, and tailgate conversations into hubs of analysis, optimism, and friendly debate. After a midseason rebound fueled by Joe Burrow’s return, fans are split between cautious hope and unbridled confidence, with most agreeing that December will define the Bengals’ playoff fate. These predictions aren’t just random guesses; they’re rooted in the team’s recent performance, opponent matchups, and even historical trends (like the Bengals’ 5-2 record in December over the last two seasons). Fan Predictions for December Games of the Cincinnati Bengals breaks down the most common forecasts, the reasoning behind them, and how fans are preparing to cheer on their team through every high-stakes snap. For the Bengals’ faithful, these predictions are more than just talk—they’re a way to feel invested in the team’s journey, win or lose.

Fan Predictions for December Games of the Cincinnati Bengals begins with the most universal forecast: the Bengals will win their December 8 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Fans point to two key factors here: the Broncos’ struggling offense (which ranks 26th in points per game) and the Bengals’ recent defensive resurgence (14 sacks in the last five games). On fan forums like Bengals Nation, over 80% of respondents predicted a Bengals victory, with most estimating a final score of 24-17 or 27-20. “The Broncos can’t stop a pass rush, and Trey Hendrickson is going to have a field day against their offensive line,” said one fan in a Reddit thread. Others highlighted the Bengals’ home-field advantage, noting that Paycor Stadium’s crowd noise will disrupt Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson’s ability to call plays. Even skeptical fans acknowledged the matchup favors Cincinnati: “I’m not ready to say we’re Super Bowl-bound, but the Broncos are a team we should beat,” wrote another fan. This confidence isn’t unfounded—analytics sites like Pro Football Focus also give the Bengals a 65% chance of winning, aligning closely with fan predictions. For many, this game is seen as a “must-win” to keep playoff momentum, and fans are already planning watch parties and pre-game tailgates to celebrate.

A more divided prediction emerges around the Bengals’ December 15 road game against the Arizona Cardinals, with fans split between a comfortable win and a narrow escape. The Cardinals have one of the NFL’s worst records (4-8), but they’ve proven capable of upsetting good teams—like their Week 10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Around 60% of fans predict a Bengals win, but many caution that the Cardinals’ young playmakers (like wide receiver Marquise Brown) could cause problems if the Bengals let their guard down. “The Cardinals are bad, but we’ve seen the Bengals sleep on bad teams before,” said a fan on Twitter (X). “If Burrow and the offense play like they did against Jacksonville, we’ll win by 10. If we play sloppy, it could be a coin flip.” Some fans even predicted a “trap game” scenario, where the Bengals overlook the Cardinals to focus on their later matchup against the Steelers. Others, however, trust the Bengals’ recent focus: “This team learned its lesson during the midseason slump,” wrote a fan on Facebook. “They won’t take any game for granted now.” Regardless of the outcome, fans are planning to support the team from afar—with many organizing watch parties at Cincinnati bars or streaming the game while wearing Bengals gear.

Fan Predictions for December Games of the Cincinnati Bengals also highlight the most hotly debated forecast: the Bengals’ December 22 divisional showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This game, which could decide a wild-card spot, has fans split almost evenly—48% predict a Bengals win, 45% a Steelers win, and 7% a tie. Fans on both sides point to recent history: the Bengals beat the Steelers 23-10 in Week 14, but the Steelers have a knack for winning close divisional games (they’re 3-1 in one-score games this season). “The Steelers will come out firing because they need this win just as bad as we do,” said a fan on a Bengals podcast. “But Burrow has proven he can win big games, and our defense is playing better than it was in October.” Others focus on player matchups, like Ja’Marr Chase vs. Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson: “Chase torched Peterson in Week 14, and I think he’ll do it again,” predicted one fan. For the Cincinnati Bengals, this game is more than just a win—it’s a chance to claim bragging rights in the AFC North and solidify their playoff spot. Fans are already buying tickets in droves, with resale prices for Paycor Stadium seats doubling since the Week 14 win. Many predict this will be the “game of the year” for the Bengals, with some even planning to camp out overnight to get the best seats.

Another key prediction from fans is the impact of Tee Higgins’ potential return on December games. If Higgins clears concussion protocol in time for the Broncos game, 75% of fans believe the Bengals’ offense will improve by 15-20%, with more balanced passing and fewer double-teams on Chase. “Higgins being back means defenses can’t stack the box or focus on Chase,” said a fan on Instagram. “Burrow will have three reliable targets, and that’s going to make our offense impossible to stop.” If Higgins misses some or all of December’s games, however, fans are more cautious—predicting the Bengals will still win against the Broncos and Cardinals but could struggle against the Steelers. “Without Higgins, we’re a one-dimensional offense,” admitted one fan. “Jones and Irwin are good, but they’re not Higgins. We’ll need Mixon to have a big month.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Higgins’ health is a wild card in these predictions, and fans are closely following every update on his concussion protocol. Many have even created “Get Well Tee” graphics and shared them on social media, combining their predictions with well wishes for the receiver.

Fan Predictions for December Games of the Cincinnati Bengals conclude with a broader forecast: regardless of individual game outcomes, the Bengals will finish December with a 2-1 record and secure a wild-card spot. This prediction is based on the team’s recent momentum (four wins in five games) and the relative weakness of their December schedule. “We’ll beat Denver and Arizona, and even if we lose to Pittsburgh, we’ll still make the playoffs because other teams like the Texans and Colts are inconsistent,” said a fan on Bengals.com. Others are more ambitious, predicting a 3-0 December and a No. 5 seed: “This team is playing its best football of the season, and I think they’ll keep rolling,” wrote another fan. Beyond just wins and losses, fans are predicting moments—like a game-winning touchdown pass from Burrow to Chase against the Steelers, or a defensive shutout against the Cardinals—that will define the month. For the Cincinnati Bengals, these predictions are a vote of confidence, a reminder that even through injuries and slumps, their fans believe in them. As December begins, fans aren’t just watching the games—they’re living them, one prediction, one cheer, and one hopeful moment at a time. In the end, Fan Predictions for December Games of the Cincinnati Bengals is a story of loyalty: win or lose, the Bengals’ faithful will be right there with them, cheering louder than ever.