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Cincinnati Bengals 2026 schedule: Key Dates, Opponents, and What to Expect
Table of Contents
- 1. Cincinnati Bengals 2026 schedule: Key Dates, Opponents, and What to Expect
- 2. What implications could the late-season game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 have for the Bengals’ playoff chances?
- 3. 2026 Cincinnati Bengals Schedule: Matchups,Game Dates,and TV Broadcasts
- 4. AFC north Rivalries & Key Matchups
- 5. Divisional Battles: Bengals vs. AFC North
- 6. Interconference Challenges: Bengals Beyond the North
- 7. Full 2026 cincinnati Bengals Schedule (Projected)
Cincinnati, OH – November 29, 2025 – Football fans are already looking ahead to the 2026 NFL season, and anticipation is building for the Cincinnati Bengals. While the full schedule won’t be finalized until may 2026,a preliminary look at potential matchups and key dates is now available.
Projected Start Date: The Bengals are expected to kick off their 2026 campaign as early as September 3, 2026.
Home & Away Games: Cincinnati will play a total of nine home games at Paycor Stadium and eight away games throughout the 2026 regular season.
Key Opponents: Based on the NFL’s future schedule formula, the Bengals are currently slated to face the following divisional rivals twice:
* Baltimore Ravens (Home & Away)
* Cleveland Browns (Home & Away)
* Pittsburgh Steelers (Home & Away)
Additional confirmed opponents include:
* Jacksonville Jaguars (Home)
* Tennessee Titans (Home)
* New Orleans saints (home)
* Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Home)
* Houston Texans (Away)
The final three games will be determined based on conference and divisional standings following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season.
Bye Week: The Bengals will have one bye week during the 2026 season. The exact timing of the bye is yet to be determined.
Broadcast Details: Kickoff times and television broadcast details for all games will be announced in May 2026. Fans will be eager to learn how many primetime matchups – including Monday Night Football and Thursday Night Football – the Bengals will receive.
Looking Ahead: The NFL is considering a move to an 18-game schedule in the future, which would introduce a second bye week.However, for the 2026-27 season, Cincinnati will continue with the standard single bye.
Stay tuned for updates as the official 2026 Cincinnati Bengals schedule is released. You can find the latest details and a printable schedule at https://www.bengals.com/schedule/futureopponents.
What implications could the late-season game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 have for the Bengals’ playoff chances?
2026 Cincinnati Bengals Schedule: Matchups,Game Dates,and TV Broadcasts
AFC north Rivalries & Key Matchups
The 2026 Cincinnati Bengals schedule is shaping up to be a challenging one,with tough divisional matchups and intriguing interconference games. heres a breakdown of what Bengals fans can expect, including dates, times (where available), and broadcast data. Keep in mind that NFL schedules are always subject to change, particularly regarding broadcast networks. This schedule is based on projections and announced information as of November 29,2025. We’ll focus on key games and potential primetime slots.
Divisional Battles: Bengals vs. AFC North
The AFC North remains one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. These games are always circled on the calendar.
* vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Week 2 (September 13th) – Expected to be a Sunday afternoon game on CBS. This early-season clash will set the tone for the divisional race.
* @ Cleveland Browns: Week 6 (October 11th) – Thursday Night Football (Amazon Prime video). A primetime matchup against a divisional rival.
* vs. Baltimore Ravens: Week 10 (November 8th) – Sunday afternoon on FOX. A crucial game with playoff implications.
* @ Pittsburgh Steelers: Week 15 (December 20th) – Monday Night Football (ESPN/ABC). A late-season showdown that could decide playoff seeding.
* vs. Cleveland Browns: Week 17 (January 3rd) – Potential flex scheduling – CBS/FOX. Could be a win-and-in scenario.
* @ Baltimore Ravens: Week 18 (January 10th) – Sunday afternoon on CBS. The final regular season game.
Interconference Challenges: Bengals Beyond the North
The Bengals will face opponents from the NFC, offering a different style of play and new challenges.
* vs. San Francisco 49ers: Week 3 (September 20th) – Sunday afternoon on FOX. A Super Bowl rematch potential.
* @ Seattle Seahawks: Week 7 (October 18th) – Sunday afternoon on CBS. A trip to the Pacific Northwest.
* vs. Dallas Cowboys: Week 9 (november 1st) – Sunday Night Football (NBC). A high-profile matchup against a popular team.
* @ New Orleans Saints: Week 12 (November 22nd) – Sunday afternoon on FOX. A Thanksgiving weekend game.
* vs. Los Angeles Rams: Week 14 (December 13th) – Thursday Night Football (Amazon Prime Video). Another primetime prospect.
* @ Arizona Cardinals: Week 16 (December 27th) – Monday night Football (ESPN/ABC). A late-season road trip.
Full 2026 cincinnati Bengals Schedule (Projected)
here’s a comprehensive look at the projected 2026 Bengals schedule. All times are Eastern.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Location | Time (EST) | TV Broadcast (Projected) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 6th | Jacksonville Jaguars | Home | 1:00 PM | CBS |
| 2 | September 13th | Pittsburgh Steelers | Home | 1:00 PM | CBS |
| 3 | September 20th | San Francisco 49ers | Home | 4:05 PM | FOX |
| 4 | September 27th | @ Tennessee Titans | Away | 1:00 PM | CBS |
| 5 | October 4th | @ Los Angeles Chargers | Away | 4:05 PM | FOX |
| 6 | October 11th | Cleveland Browns | Away | 8:15 PM | Amazon Prime Video |
| 7 | October 18th | @ Seattle Seahawks | Away | 4:05 PM | CBS |
| 8 | October 25th | New york Jets | Home | 1:00 PM | FOX |
| 9 | November 1st | Dallas Cowboys | Home | 8:20 PM | NBC |
| 10 | November 8th | Baltimore Ravens | Home | 1:00 PM | FOX |
| 11 | November 15th | BYE WEEK | |||
| 12 | november 22nd | @ New Orleans Saints | Away | 1:00 PM | FOX |
| 13 | November 29th | Atlanta Falcons | home | 1:00 PM