Honestly, it’s that weird time of year. You wake up on a Thursday in mid-January, the air is freezing, and the first thing you want to do is check the remote to see if Joe Burrow is playing. But if you’re looking for the Bengals on TV today, you might notice the landscape looks a little different than a typical Sunday in October.
We’re officially in that post-regular season gap. The Cincinnati Bengals finished their 2025-2026 campaign with an 18-20 loss to the Cleveland Browns on January 4th. Because they finished 6-11, they aren't in the NFL playoff mix this afternoon. It's a bummer, I know. But wait—if your TV guide is screaming "Bengals" at you for today, January 15, 2026, there is actually a game happening. It’s just not the NFL team you might expect.
The Other Bengals on TV Today
If you see the name on your screen today, you’re likely looking at the Idaho State Bengals. They are hitting the hardwood in a big Big Sky matchup.
- Who: Idaho Vandals vs. Idaho State Bengals
- Time: 9:00 PM ET (7:00 PM local time in Pocatello)
- Channel: ESPN+
- Venue: Reed Gym
College basketball is currently in the heat of conference play. Idaho State is sitting at 9-8 and looking to defend their home court against a 10-6 Idaho squad. If you’re a fan of the name or just need a sports fix, that’s where the action is.
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Where the Cincinnati Bengals Stand Right Now
Since the NFL Bengals didn't make the postseason cut this year, the "TV today" conversation for the pro team has shifted to the draft and the 2026 outlook. Cincinnati is locked into the 10th overall pick for the upcoming NFL Draft.
It was a rollercoaster of a season. We saw flashes of brilliance, like that massive 45-21 win over the Dolphins in Week 16, but also some heartbreakers. Losing five games where the offense scored over 33 points? That’s basically unheard of. It’s the kind of stat that makes you want to throw your remote at the wall.
Watching the Bengals in 2026
While they aren't on the gridiron today, we already know who they’ll be facing when the cameras turn back on next season. The 2026 opponents are set. You’ll be seeing them on the usual suspects: CBS, FOX, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video.
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The home slate for 2026 at Paycor Stadium includes some heavy hitters:
- Kansas City Chiefs (A massive game since Mahomes will be back from injury)
- Baltimore Ravens
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Cleveland Browns
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On the road, they’ll be traveling to places like Miami, Houston, and Indianapolis. If you’re a cord-cutter, you’ve probably already realized that having a mix of Paramount+ (for CBS games) and Peacock (for NBC/exclusives) is basically mandatory now.
How to Catch Future Broadcasts
If you’re trying to plan for the next time the Who Dey nation takes over the airwaves, keep these outlets on your radar. Local fans in Cincinnati usually find the games on WXIX (FOX19) or WKRC (CBS 12).
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But for today, if you’re specifically searching for Bengals on TV today, your best bet is firing up the ESPN app for the Idaho State game. It’s a different sport, sure, but the name on the jersey still counts for something.
The NFL version of the team is currently in "evaluation mode." Coaches are looking at the roster, and the front office is scouting the next generation of talent to protect Burrow. It’s not as exciting as a playoff game, but it’s the reality of a 6-11 season.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check ESPN+: If you want to see the Idaho State Bengals play Idaho today, the stream goes live at 9:00 PM ET.
- Mark the Draft: Keep an eye on the NFL Network for "Mock Draft" specials; since Cincinnati has the #10 pick, they'll be a frequent topic of conversation this month.
- Audit your Subscriptions: With the NFL moving more games to streaming, now is a good time to see if your YouTube TV or Paramount+ memberships are still active for the basketball season and the upcoming NFL offseason moves.
- Follow the Roster: Watch local news outlets like WCPO or the Bengals' official site for news on free agency, which starts in a few months and will dictate how much we see the team in primetime next year.