Honestly, the Cincinnati Bengals vs Seahawks matchup isn't the first thing people think of when they talk about legendary NFL rivalries. It's not Bengals-Steelers. It's not Seahawks-49ers. Because they play in different conferences—the AFC and the NFC—they only cross paths once every few years. But if you actually look at the history, these games are almost always weird, close, and surprisingly high-stakes for two teams that barely know each other.
The series is currently sitting at a razor-thin margin. Cincinnati leads the all-time series 13–12. That’s about as even as it gets in professional football. When they met back in October 2023, it was a 17–13 grinders' delight that saw Joe Burrow and the Bengals barely escape. That game was basically a microcosm of the whole series: physical, unpredictable, and decided by a handful of plays in the red zone.
The History You Probably Forgot
You've gotta go back to the 80s to see when this thing really had some heat. Back then, Seattle was actually in the AFC West. They were division rivals with the Bengals' neighbors, and they played Cincinnati constantly. In 1988, they even met in the playoffs. The Bengals won that one 21–13 on their way to the Super Bowl.
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Since Seattle moved to the NFC in 2002, the games have become rarer, but the drama hasn't faded. In 2015, we saw one of the greatest comebacks in Bengals history. Cincinnati was down 24–7 in the fourth quarter. It looked over. Then Andy Dalton went nuclear, and the Bengals won 27–24 in overtime. It’s those kinds of games that make "Cincinnati Bengals vs Seahawks" a sneaky good ticket whenever it pops up on the schedule.
Breakout Stats from the Series
- Total Points: Cincinnati averages about 20.68 per game; Seattle sits at 19.36.
- Longest Win Streak: The Bengals once took six in a row, while Seattle’s best run was five.
- Biggest Blowout: A 34–7 Bengals win in 1986. Since then, most games have been one-score affairs.
Why the 2023 Game Changed the Narrative
If you watched the 17–13 Bengals win in late 2023, you saw a defensive masterclass. Everyone expected a shootout between Joe Burrow and Geno Smith. Instead, we got a game where Seattle’s defense, led by Boye Mafe and a returning Jamal Adams, absolutely shut down the Bengals after two early touchdowns.
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The Bengals' defense had to stand on its head. They stopped Seattle twice in the red zone late in the fourth quarter. It was the kind of win that proved the Bengals could win "ugly," which is something they’ve struggled with in the past. Seattle, on the other hand, left that game feeling like they were the better team but just couldn't finish.
Key Players and Future Matchups
As we look toward the 2026 season and beyond, the rosters are shifting. Interestingly, some players are even swapping sides. Coby Bryant, a former Cincinnati Bearcat star who has been playing safety for the Seahawks, is a name often brought up in trade and free agency rumors involving a return to Ohio.
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Then you have the D.K. Metcalf factor. While he’s been the face of the Seattle receiving corps for years, the NFL moves fast. There’s always talk about how a physical specimen like Metcalf would look in a Bengals jersey alongside Ja'Marr Chase, though that remains firmly in the realm of "fan fiction" for now.
What to Watch in the Next Meeting
- The Quarterback Duel: Burrow vs. the Seattle secondary is always the main event.
- Red Zone Efficiency: As we saw in 2023, Seattle’s ability (or inability) to score from inside the 20 usually decides this game.
- The Trench War: Cincinnati’s revamped offensive line against Seattle’s creative pass rush.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're betting on or just watching the next Cincinnati Bengals vs Seahawks game, keep these things in mind. First, don't trust the over. These teams tend to play much tighter, more defensive games than their offensive reputations suggest.
Second, watch the travel schedule. When Seattle has to fly across the country for an early 1:00 PM EST kickoff in Cincinnati, they often start slow. Conversely, when the Bengals head to the "Loud House" in Seattle, the communication issues for Burrow’s offense become a massive factor.
Your Next Steps:
- Check the 2026 Schedule: The official dates for the next cross-conference rotation will be finalized in the spring, so keep an eye on whether the game is at Paycor Stadium or Lumen Field.
- Monitor the Secondary: Both teams are currently rebuilding their defensive backfields; whoever settles their safety rotation first will have the upper hand in the next matchup.
- Review Head-to-Head Trends: Historically, the home team has a significant advantage in this specific series, winning over 60% of the matchups since 1977.