The Cincinnati Bengals face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. EST on FOX with a chance to start the season 2-0. The Bears (0-1) enter as slight 2.5-point favorites (-120) after losing to the Rams, while the Bengals look to build on their OT victory against Minnesota.

Current AFC North Standings:

• Bengals: 1-0
• Steelers: 1-0
• Browns: 0-1
• Ravens: 0-1

What 2-0 Would Mean for Cincinnati:

A 2-0 start would provide crucial early-season momentum for this young Bengals team, particularly by:

• Building confidence against preseason expectations of finishing last
• Demonstrating growth from previous years' tendencies to lose winnable games
• Potentially taking sole possession of first place in the AFC North
• Creating a two-game cushion over bottom teams if Cleveland or Baltimore loses

The Reality Check:

While starting 2-0 would be significant, it's important to note:

• There are still 15 games remaining in the season
• Early success must be sustained for meaningful impact
• Division standings will continue to fluctuate
• Every win matters regardless of timing

The Bengals can prove they're legitimate contenders by securing this winnable road game, but long-term success will depend on maintaining momentum throughout the season.

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