You've probably been clicking through your guide or scouring the web looking for the channel Bengals game today, only to find a bunch of talk shows or infomercials where a kickoff should be. Honestly, it’s frustrating when you’re geared up for Who Dey nation and the screen is blank.
The reality is simple but a bit of a letdown: The Cincinnati Bengals are not playing today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Their 2025-2026 season officially wrapped up on January 4th with a narrow 17-16 win over the Cleveland Browns. While that victory was a nice way to end the year, it wasn't enough to punch a ticket to the postseason. The Bengals finished the season on the outside looking in, which is why today's NFL playoff headlines are dominated by teams like the Texans, Patriots, and Bills instead of Joe Burrow and company.
Why isn't there a channel Bengals game today?
NFL games on a Tuesday are incredibly rare to begin with. Usually, you only see them if a massive snowstorm or a global health crisis forces a schedule shift. Even if today were a Sunday, you wouldn't find a channel for the Bengals because they have been eliminated from playoff contention.
The AFC North was a gauntlet this year. While the Bengals managed to pull off some big wins—including a dominant 32-14 victory over the Ravens on Thanksgiving—they couldn't find the consistency needed to survive the Wild Card race.
The final standings that ended the season
According to the final regular-season tallies, the Pittsburgh Steelers managed to snag the final playoff spot in the AFC. The Bengals, along with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens, were officially listed among the "eliminated" teams once the Week 18 dust settled.
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It’s a weird feeling for fans who have grown used to deep January runs. Usually, this time of year involves scouting opponents for the Divisional Round. This year, the focus has already shifted to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Bengals schedule
Since you can't watch them today, you're probably wondering when you can see them back on a major network like CBS, FOX, or ESPN. The 2026 opponents are already set, and the lineup at Paycor Stadium looks pretty electric.
Basically, the NFL's rotation formula means the Bengals will be facing the AFC South and the NFC South in 2026.
Home Opponents at Paycor Stadium:
- The usual suspects: Ravens, Browns, Steelers.
- The heavy hitters: Kansas City Chiefs are coming back to Cincinnati.
- The newcomers: Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans (expect to see Cam Ward and Trevor Lawrence in town).
- NFC matchups: New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Away Games for 2026:
The Bengals will be traveling to some interesting spots next season. They have road dates with the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans. They’ll also head south to face the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers. Perhaps most interestingly, they have a cross-conference road game against the Washington Commanders.
How to find the Bengals channel next season
When the 2026 season kicks off on September 8th, the "what channel" question gets a lot easier. Most games will return to their usual homes:
- CBS/Paramount+: This remains the primary home for the AFC. If the Bengals are playing a daytime game against an AFC opponent, this is your best bet.
- FOX: You'll see them here primarily when they host an NFC team (like the Saints or Bucs) or if they are the featured "America's Game of the Week."
- Amazon Prime Video: Expect at least one Thursday Night Football appearance.
- ESPN/ABC: Monday Night Football is almost a guarantee for a team with this much star power.
- NBC/Peacock: Sunday Night Football will likely pick up at least one or two Bengals games.
What should fans watch today instead?
Since the channel Bengals game today search yielded no live action, you can still get your football fix. The NFL playoffs are moving into the Divisional Round.
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The Houston Texans just handled the Steelers 30-6 on Monday night, and they are slated to face the New England Patriots soon. If you want to scout the competition for next year, watching how the Texans' young core operates is a good use of your Tuesday evening.
If you're strictly a "Cincinnati or nothing" person, the local sports scene isn't totally quiet. There are some college matchups and local events, but for the pro squad, the pads won't go back on until training camp in the summer.
Actionable steps for Bengals fans
- Check the Draft Order: Since the season is over, your new "game day" is the NFL Draft. The Bengals will have a mid-round pick, and mock drafts are already flying.
- Review the 2026 Schedule: Keep an eye out in May when the NFL releases the specific dates and times for the opponents mentioned above.
- Update your Streaming Apps: If you struggled to find games this year, make sure you have Paramount+ and Peacock ready for next season, as more games are moving to streaming-only or simulcast formats.
- Watch the Playoffs: Even without the Bengals, the road to the Super Bowl goes through the AFC. Keeping tabs on the Bills and Chiefs now will give you a better idea of the mountain Cincinnati has to climb in 2026.
The hunt for a championship is on pause, but the "Who Dey" spirit doesn't have an off-season. Mark your calendars for September.