For years, the Cincinnati Bengals have been an afterthought when it comes to primetime games.

And look, that's understandable. Bengals fans haven't really given the NFL a reason to put them in primetime slots.

But that's going to change in a big way in 2022.

After reaching Super Bowl LVI, the Bengals are going to be one of the "it" teams in the NFL this upcoming season. Especially with the emergence of Joe Burrow as a legitimate superstar.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bengals in primetime a couple of times in 2022.

Here are the five most likely primetime options for Cincinnati next season.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Buffalo Bills

It would've been laughable to suggest this as a primetime game a few years ago. Now it's extremely likely to be featured in primetime. That's because a Bengals/Bills matchup features two of the biggest young stars in the NFL — Burrow and Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen. These two are going to see a lot of each other over the next decade.

Cincinnati Bengals @ New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints aren't expected to be a Super Bowl contender in 2022, but this still has some potential as a primetime game. That's because it will be the first time Burrow has played in the state of Louisiana since leaving LSU after the 2019 season. Burrow isn't from Louisiana, but he's embraced the culture. I imagine there will be a lot of Burrow fans in attendance for this one. It could make more sense as a Monday night game on ESPN.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs

This has to be a primetime game. A rematch of the AFC Championship game? That's must-see television. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be looking to exact revenge on the Bengals while Burrow will be looking to prove the win over the Chiefs in the playoffs wasn't a fluke.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Dallas Cowboys

Anytime the Cowboys are on the schedule, it's a potential primetime game. Dallas has one of the biggest fan bases in the world, so they often end up on Sunday Night Football. However, NBC might be growing tired of the typical Cowboys/Eagles or Cowboys/Giants matchups. This would be a fresh matchup to feature on Sunday night.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennessee Titans

The Titans were the No. 1 overall seed in the playoffs this past season, but they were bounced in the divisional round of the playoffs by the Bengals. Tennessee, just like Kansas City, will be looking for revenge. The Titans should once again be Super Bowl contenders, so this could be a pivotal AFC matchup.

Featured image via Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK