One game each NFL team can’t afford to lose in 2020

Cincinnati Bengals

Week 13 – Cincinnati Bengals @ Miami Dolphins

It is remarkably juicy that the NFL gave us this matchup late in the season. First overall draft pick Joe Burrow is likely to start from day one for the Cincinnati Bengals; and the second quarterback taken in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins, stands a much higher chance to be starting in Week 13 than Week 1.

So, assuming both top five draft picks are starting for their teams, this is a big game for the Bengals. The team is unlikely to be jockeying for a playoff spot in 2020, so just showing improvement over their 2-14, league worst record a year ago is important. The Dolphins were not only a better team last year, but also a full tier above Cincinnati (despite being only 5-11), so a win definitely shows the team is progressing.

But what makes this matchup so important to the Bengals is that quarterback matchup – this will be the first, of what the teams hope will be many, battles between these young potential superstars. It is important for Cincinnati to show themselves, and their fans, that they got the pick right.

Cleveland Browns

Week 8 – Las Vegas Raiders @ Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are, yet again, a sexy pick to surge up the leader boards in the AFC standings. But, also again, so are the Las Vegas Raiders. The Browns finished a disappointing 6-10 a season ago, despite playoff expectations; while the Raiders finished 7-9, also in spite of lofty expectations.

So what has changed in 2020? The answer is not a lot – both teams have the same coach, the same quarterback and much of the same core. The Raiders have improved their team speed and offensive weaponry; the Browns have improved their offensive line.

This game is important because its the true test of which team is likely to be in that 7th-9th place in the AFC, and with seven teams now playoff bound, the tiebreaker could be incredibly vital. It’s also an important test at the halfway point for Cleveland, who must prove to themselves, and everyone else, that they’re for real.

Dallas Cowboys

Week 16 – Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys

A 6-4 start a season ago ended in an 8-8 season where the Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs and were tremendous disappointments based on their talent, based on their early season offense, and based on their schedule. But, their epic collapse down the stretch gave way to the Philadelphia Eagles to win the NFC East, again, and for the Cowboys to end their season early (again).

In 2020 that has to change for the Dallas. Not only can they not afford another late season meltdown, but they also cannot settle for less than winning the division. As heralded as this offense has been, as much high powered skill as they possess, they simply must be better.

Their Week 16 tilt with the Eagles could decide the NFC East, much like it did a season ago. It does not get any bigger than that. And, for Dallas to claim this season is a success, they cannot afford to lose this one (again).