Sunday’s Bengals-Ravens Clash May Rank Among Cincinnati’s Coldest Games
Cincinnati Bengals fans are gearing up for an exciting matchup against the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday. Coincidentally, the game falls on Joe Burrow’s birthday and marks the 30th anniversary of the fifth coldest home game in franchise history. Additionally, it commemorates 48 years since the second coldest game. Could this contest challenge the top five coldest home games ever recorded?
Weather Forecast for Sunday’s Game
The weather forecast indicates a high of only 13 degrees for the game. While it won’t set any records, it will contribute to the cold atmosphere.
Noteworthy Cold Games in Bengals History
Cincinnati is known for some frigid matchups. The coldest game on record is the Freezer Bowl, held on January 10, 1982. This infamous 1981 AFC Championship Game featured an air temperature of minus-9 degrees and a wind chill of minus-59 degrees.
Top Five Coldest Games
Here’s a detailed list of the five coldest home games in Bengals history:
- Dec. 10, 1977: Bengals 17, Steelers 10 – Game-time temperature: 2 degrees
- Dec. 17, 1989: Bengals 61, Oilers 7 – Kickoff temperature: 9 degrees
- Dec. 17, 2000: Bengals 17, Jaguars 10 – Temperature at kickoff: 9 degrees
- Dec. 10, 1995: Bengals 16, Bears 10 – Kickoff temperature: 9 degrees
- Jan. 10, 1982: Bengals vs. Chargers – Coldest overall game: -9 degrees
Cold Game Performance
The Cincinnati Bengals have excelled in their five coldest home games, achieving a perfect record of 5-0. They have played a total of 10 games when the temperature was 20 degrees or colder, winning 8 of those matches.
Other Notable Cold Games
Other significant games below 20 degrees include:
- Dec. 21, 1980 – Bengals 24, Browns 27 (18 degrees)
- Dec. 26, 1993 – Bengals 21, Falcons 17 (19 degrees)
- Dec. 19, 2004 – Bills 33, Bengals 17 (19 degrees)
- Dec. 30, 2001 – Bengals 26, Steelers 23, OT (20 degrees)
- Nov. 27, 1977 – Bengals 30, Giants 13 (20 degrees)
Ravens’ Cold Game Record
The Baltimore Ravens have a less favorable history in cold weather. They have played six games at 20 degrees or colder, recording only two victories. Their last significant loss was on New Year’s Eve 2017, when a late touchdown by Andy Dalton to Tyler Boyd clinched the playoffs for the Buffalo Bills and ended the Ravens’ season.
As fans prepare for Sunday’s Bengals-Ravens clash, the frigid conditions could add to the intensity and excitement of the game. Will the Bengals extend their perfect record in cold home games? Only time will tell.
