If you’re scrambling to find the bengals game today what channel it’s on, I have some tough news to deliver. You won't find Joe Burrow or Ja'Marr Chase on any network this Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The Bengals aren't playing.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer. While today marks the start of the NFL Divisional Round—a weekend usually reserved for the elite teams of the AFC and NFC—the Cincinnati Bengals officially entered their offseason a couple of weeks ago. They finished the 2025-2026 regular season with a 6-11 record, which unfortunately wasn't enough to secure a spot in the postseason dance.
The harsh reality of the AFC North standings
The 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster for the Who Dey nation. After a promising start, things kinda fell apart in the middle of the schedule. A Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots really stung, and despite a late-season surge with wins over the Dolphins and Cardinals, the Week 18 loss to the Cleveland Browns (20-18) sealed their fate.
Cincinnati finished third in the AFC North.
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Because they missed the playoffs, they aren't part of today's double-header. Instead, the AFC action today features the Buffalo Bills traveling to face the Denver Broncos. That game kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. If you were hoping for a Bengals game today what channel search to lead you to Paycor Stadium, you'll have to settle for watching the Bills and Broncos battle it out for a spot in the AFC Championship.
If the Bengals aren't on, what is?
Even though Cincinnati is sidelined, today is still a massive day for football fans. If you have that "Bengals game today what channel" itch and just want to watch high-stakes NFL, here is the actual TV schedule for Saturday, January 17, 2026:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
This is the AFC Divisional matchup. It starts at 4:30 p.m. ET. You can catch this on CBS or stream it on Paramount+. - San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
The nightcap is an NFC West grudge match. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET. This one is airing on FOX and streaming via the FOX One app.
It's weird not seeing the Bengals in the mix, especially considering the talent on this roster. But the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" league, and 6-11 just doesn't cut it when the Ravens and Browns are playing at such a high level.
Looking ahead: The 2026 Cincinnati Bengals schedule
Since there's no game today, most fans are already looking toward the 2026 season. The good news? We actually know who the Bengals will be playing next year, even if we don't have the exact dates yet.
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Because the Bengals finished third in their division, they get a "third-place schedule." This is actually a bit of a silver lining. It means they'll face other teams that finished third in their respective divisions, which should theoretically be an easier path back to the playoffs than what the division winners face.
One of the biggest games on the 2026 home schedule will be against the Kansas City Chiefs. That rivalry is still very much alive. They’ll also be hosting the Jaguars, Titans, Saints, and Buccaneers at Paycor Stadium.
On the road, the Bengals will travel to face the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and the Washington Commanders. And, of course, they have their usual six games against the AFC North (Ravens, Browns, and Steelers).
Why the Bengals missed the 2026 playoffs
It’s worth looking at why we're searching for a channel today instead of wearing our jerseys to a watch party. The defense was the primary culprit. By the end of the 2025 season, the Bengals' defensive unit was ranked near the bottom of the league in several key categories.
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Joe Burrow played well, but you can't win shootouts every single week in the AFC. The loss of key veterans in the secondary during the previous offseason seemed to catch up with them. There were too many "explosive plays" allowed, and the pass rush wasn't consistent enough to bail out the young cornerbacks.
Actionable steps for Bengals fans today
Since you can't watch the Bengals, here is how you can still make the most of this Divisional Round Saturday:
- Scout the Competition: Watch the Bills vs. Broncos game on CBS at 4:30 p.m. These are the teams the Bengals will have to leapfrog next year to get back to the top of the AFC.
- Check the Mock Drafts: With a 6-11 record, the Bengals will have a high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Most experts are already mocking offensive line help or a high-end defensive tackle to Cincinnati.
- Follow the Coaching Search: Keep an eye on any staff changes. After missing the playoffs for three straight years, there’s a lot of talk in Cincinnati about whether the current coaching philosophy needs a refresh, specifically on the defensive side of the ball.
- Gear Up: Since the season is over, this is usually the time when team stores start clearing out 2025 merchandise. It's a great time to snag a jersey for next year at a discount.
Basically, the answer to bengals game today what channel is a quiet television in Cincinnati. The team is officially in "build for 2026" mode. While today’s playoff games will be great, they'll be a stinging reminder of what could have been if a few plays had gone differently in November.
Watch the Bills and Broncos on CBS this afternoon to see who represents the AFC moving forward.