The Cincinnati Bengals are sticking with what’s worked lately - at least when it comes to the wardrobe.
For the first time since unveiling their redesigned uniforms in 2021, the Bengals will roll out the same uniform combo in back-to-back regular season games: white jerseys, white pants, black stripes, and black socks. It's the same look they wore during their Thanksgiving win over the Baltimore Ravens - a game that snapped their four-game losing streak and halted Baltimore’s five-game run.
Now, as they head into a Week 14 matchup against the 8-4 Buffalo Bills in New York, Cincinnati is hoping that this familiar fit brings a little more than just aesthetic appeal. Sitting at 4-8, the Bengals need every edge they can find - whether it’s in the playbook or the laundry room.
And here’s the thing: there might actually be something to this uniform mojo.
Since the 2021 redesign, Cincinnati has worn this particular combo 19 times - more than any other look in their rotation. In those games, they’re 12-7 overall, including a perfect 2-0 this season.
Both of those wins came against AFC North foes: the Browns and the Ravens. That’s not just a coincidence - that’s a pattern.
Even more compelling? The Bengals are currently riding a four-game winning streak in this specific uniform combo. That includes some big-time wins, not just in the regular season but in the playoffs as well.
Back in the 2021 postseason, they wore the same white-on-white look in road wins over the Titans and Chiefs. Then in the 2022 playoffs, they brought it out again for a dominant win in Buffalo during the Divisional Round - before falling to Kansas City in the AFC Championship Game while wearing the same combo. So yes, the look has been battle-tested in some of the biggest moments this franchise has seen in recent years.
But uniforms don’t win football games - players do. And the real reason for optimism this week has nothing to do with stripes or socks.
For the first time since Week 2, the Bengals are expected to have Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins all on the field together. That trio hasn’t shared a huddle in months, and getting them back at full strength could be the jolt this offense desperately needs.
So yes, the Bengals are leaning into a little superstition. But they’re also getting healthy at the right time, and that’s the kind of momentum that can matter in December.
Whether it’s the uniforms, the stars aligning, or just finally catching a break, Cincinnati will take it. With the Bills looming and playoff hopes flickering, every detail - even the socks - counts.