You’re staring at your phone, scrolling through sports apps, and probably wondering why you can’t find a kickoff time for today. It’s frustrating. We’ve all been there, ready to prep the wings and crack a drink, only to realize the screen is blank.
What time is Bengals game today? Honestly, the answer is a bit of a bummer for Who Dey Nation. There is no game. The Cincinnati Bengals officially wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign on January 4, 2026, with a tough 20-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Because the team finished the season with a 6-11 record, they didn't make the cut for the NFL playoffs. While the rest of the league is battling it out in the Divisional Round this weekend, Joe Burrow and the rest of the roster are already heading into the offseason. It sucks, especially considering the high expectations everyone had back in September.
The Reality of the 2026 Offseason
If you were looking for a Wild Card or Divisional matchup, you're unfortunately a week or two late. The Bengals finished third in the AFC North, trailing behind the division-winning Pittsburgh Steelers and a Ravens team that narrowly missed out themselves.
Missing the playoffs for the third straight year is a bitter pill to swallow for fans in the Queen City. We saw flashes of brilliance—like that 45-21 blowout of the Miami Dolphins in December—but the consistency just wasn't there.
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Why the schedule looks different this year
The NFL calendar is a beast. Usually, by mid-January, we're used to seeing Cincinnati deep in the hunt. But in 2026, the "January blues" are literal.
- Final Game: January 4, 2026 vs. Cleveland.
- Playoff Status: Eliminated.
- Next Meaningful Action: NFL Draft (April 2026).
It feels weird. Usually, Burrow is smoking a cigar around this time, but the reality is that injuries and a brutal mid-season slump (where they lost five games in a row) cooked their chances early.
Looking Ahead: Who Do the Bengals Play in 2026?
Even though you can't find a Bengals game time for today, the 2026 opponents have already been locked in based on the NFL's rotating formula. Since Cincinnati finished third in their division, their 2026 schedule is actually looking somewhat favorable on paper.
Home Games at Paycor Stadium
The Jungle is going to host some massive names next season.
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- The AFC North Rivals: Ravens, Browns, and Steelers (obviously).
- The Big One: The Kansas City Chiefs are coming to town. This has become one of the best rivalries in football, and with Patrick Mahomes likely back from his 2025 injury, that's going to be a primetime candidate.
- AFC South Opponents: The Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.
- NFC South Visitors: The New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Road Trips
If you’re a fan who likes to travel, the road schedule for 2026 is pretty manageable. Most of the games are on the East Coast.
- Divisional: Trips to Baltimore, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh.
- The South: Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.
- The Rest: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and a matchup against the Washington Commanders.
The trip to Houston is actually the longest flight currently on the schedule, assuming the NFL doesn't ship one of these games overseas for an International Series matchup.
Addressing the Joe Burrow Rumors
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Every time the Bengals miss the playoffs, the talk starts. "Is Joe healthy?" "Is the window closing?"
Burrow finished the 2025 season with some respectable numbers, but the offensive line still feels like a work in progress. When you're asking what time is Bengals game and finding out there isn't one, it gives you too much time to overthink the roster.
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Expert analysts like Mike Florio and the crew at The Athletic have already started pointing toward the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft as the turning point. The Bengals need protection and perhaps another explosive weapon if Tee Higgins ends up elsewhere in free agency.
When Will the 2026 Kickoff Times Be Announced?
You’re going to have to be patient. The NFL usually drops the full schedule—with exact dates and kickoff times—in mid-May.
Until then, we only know the "who" and the "where," not the "when." We can take some educated guesses, though. A Bengals vs. Chiefs game is almost guaranteed to be a Sunday Night Football or Monday Night Football slot. The league loves the ratings Joe Burrow brings.
Important dates for your calendar:
- NFL Scouting Combine: Late February 2026.
- Free Agency Starts: March 2026.
- 2026 NFL Draft: April 23–25, 2026.
- Schedule Release: Second week of May 2026.
Basically, the next time you'll have a definitive answer for what time is Bengals game will be for a preseason matchup in August. It feels like a lifetime away when you're used to playoff football, but the rebuilding (or retooling) process starts now.
Actionable Steps for Fans
Since there's no game to watch today, here is how you can stay locked in with the team during the lull:
- Track the Draft Order: Cincinnati is currently slated to pick 10th. Keep an eye on the top offensive tackle and edge rusher prospects.
- Check the Cap Space: With the season over, the front office is looking at who they can keep. Spotrac is a great resource to see how much money the Bengals have to play with in free agency.
- Watch the Playoffs anyway: The Steelers are representing the AFC North in the Wild Card/Divisional rounds. It’s always good to scout the competition.
The 2025 season didn't go to plan, but the 2026 slate offers a fresh start. We’ll be right back here in May to break down the actual kickoff times once the league makes it official.