If you woke up today, January 18, 2026, and started frantically refreshing your phone for the score of today's bengals game, I have some news that might sting a little.
There isn't one.
The Cincinnati Bengals aren't playing today. While the NFL Divisional Round is currently in full swing with the Houston Texans facing the New England Patriots and the LA Rams taking on the Chicago Bears, the Queen City is quiet. The Bengals' 2025-2026 campaign officially hit the wall exactly two weeks ago on January 4th.
It's a weird feeling, isn't it? Usually, by mid-January, we're used to Joe Burrow smoking a cigar or at least planning a deep playoff run. But this year, the "Who Dey" chants have been replaced by draft boards and free-agency rumors.
The Score That Ended Everything
To understand why there is no score of today's bengals game, you have to look back at the Week 18 heartbreaker against the Cleveland Browns.
It was a cold Sunday at Paycor Stadium. The Bengals entered that game with a 6-10 record, already mathematically eliminated from the postseason, but playing for pride and a bit of momentum. They lost 20-18.
The game was a microcosm of the entire season. Joe Burrow threw for 236 yards and three touchdowns, looking every bit like the elite QB we know he is. Ja’Marr Chase caught 8 balls for 96 yards and a score. Chase Brown even broke the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season during that game.
But then, the wheels fell off.
A 97-yard interception return by Cleveland's Devin Bush Jr. and a 47-yard fumble return by Sam Webb basically handed the Browns 14 points on a silver platter. Evan McPherson, usually "Money Mac," missed an extra point. Then, in the final seconds, Cleveland kicker Andre Szmyt drilled a 49-yard field goal as time expired.
Final: 20-18. Bengals finish 6-11.
Why the Bengals Aren't in the Divisional Round
Honestly, the score of today's bengals game would likely be a lot higher if they were actually on the field. The talent is there. But the 2025 season was defined by a brutal stretch where Burrow was sidelined for nine games.
You can't lose your franchise centerpiece for half the year in the AFC North and expect to be playing football on January 18th. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are too consistent for that. Pittsburgh actually won the division this year with a 10-7 record, which tells you just how much of an opening the Bengals missed out on.
Even with Burrow back for the final stretch, the hole was too deep. The defense, led by breakout star DJ Turner II, showed flashes of brilliance toward the end, but the early-season struggles were just too much to overcome.
Key Stats from the 2025-2026 Season
- Final Record: 6-11
- Division Standing: 3rd in AFC North
- Joe Burrow: Led the AFC in TD pass percentage despite the injury.
- Chase Brown: 1st career 1,000-yard rushing season.
- Tee Higgins: 11 touchdown catches (a massive bright spot in a contract year).
What Most People Get Wrong About the Offseason
People are already calling for heads to roll. You've probably seen the "Fire Zac Taylor" tweets or the calls to overhaul the front office.
But here's the thing: Bengals president Mike Brown has already doubled down. On January 5th, he released a statement backing both Zac Taylor and Duke Tobin. They aren't going anywhere.
The logic? They’ve built a championship-caliber roster before, and they believe the foundation is still solid. With Amarius Mims looking like a perennial Pro Bowler at right tackle and Orlando Brown Jr. holding down the left, the offensive line is actually the best it’s been in years.
The problem isn't the coaching; it's the depth. When the starters go down, the drop-off is a cliff.
The NFL Games You Can Watch Today
Since you won't find a score of today's bengals game, you might as well look at the teams that actually survived the gauntlet. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026—the second day of the Divisional Round.
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: Kickoff at 3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN. This is the "Young Guns" game. C.J. Stroud is trying to prove he's the new king of the AFC while the Patriots have somehow resurrected their dynasty under new leadership.
- LA Rams vs. Chicago Bears: Kickoff at 6:30 PM ET on NBC. Soldier Field is going to be electric. The Bears hosting a divisional playoff game in 2026? Most people didn't have that on their bingo card two years ago.
The winners of these games move on to the Conference Championships next Sunday, January 25th.
What Really Matters for Bengals Fans Right Now
Instead of looking for a score, you should be looking at the 2026 NFL Draft. Because of that 6-11 finish, the Bengals are sitting on the No. 10 overall pick.
John Sheeran and other draft experts are already pointing toward the College Football Playoff National Championship game (happening tomorrow, Monday, Jan 19) as the scouting ground for Cincinnati's next star. Keep an eye on Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. or offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.
The Bengals need pass-rushing help. Badly. Trey Hendrickson is still a beast, but he’s heading into a murky free-agency period, and Joseph Ossai is also hitting the market after a career-high 5.0 sack season.
👉 See also: Ohio State football live stream: Why Most Fans Are Overpaying
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Watch the CFP National Championship: Keep a close eye on Miami’s defensive line. The Bengals are likely looking for someone to play opposite Myles Murphy.
- Track Free Agency Rumors: The "legal tampering" period starts soon. Watch what happens with Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson; their departures would fundamentally change how the Bengals draft in April.
- Clear Your Schedule for April 23: The 2026 NFL Draft will be the Bengals' biggest "game" of the year. With a top-10 pick, they have a chance to reload for a 2027 Super Bowl run.
- Monitor Joe Burrow’s Recovery: He finished the season healthy, but the offseason program will be vital to ensure he doesn't start 2026 with the same "rust" we've seen in previous years.
The score of today's bengals game might be non-existent, but the work for next year's score started the moment that field goal went through the uprights in the Browns game. It’s a long wait until September, but for a team with #9 under center, hope is never really dead.