If you woke up today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, wondering is bengals game televised today, the short answer is going to sting a little. No. There is no Bengals game on your TV tonight. Honestly, there isn't a Bengals game scheduled for this week or next week either.
It’s the middle of the NFL postseason, and the Divisional Round is just around the corner. But for those of us in the 513, the stadium lights at Paycor are dark.
The Reality of the 2025-2026 Bengals Season
The Cincinnati Bengals finished their 2025 campaign with a 6-11 record. It was a rough ride. They officially missed the playoffs after a Week 15 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, marking the third straight year the team has sat out the postseason. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially given the high expectations we always have when Joe Burrow is under center.
Basically, while other teams are prepping for the Divisional Round this weekend, the Bengals are already looking at draft boards.
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Why the Bengals Aren't on TV Today
Today is a Wednesday. Even during the peak of the regular season, the NFL rarely schedules Wednesday games unless there’s a massive holiday or a scheduling emergency like we saw a few years back. In the current 2026 playoff bracket:
- Wild Card Weekend just wrapped up.
- Divisional Round games don't start until Saturday, Jan. 17.
- The Bengals are in offseason mode.
If you see a "Bengals game" listed on a random streaming site today, it’s almost certainly a replay or a scam. Don't click it.
Who Is Playing If It's Not Cincinnati?
If you just want to watch some high-stakes football, you've got to wait until the weekend. The NFL announced the Divisional Round matchups following the Wild Card results, and the schedule is packed—just sans-Stripes.
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On Saturday, January 17, the Buffalo Bills travel to Denver to take on the Broncos at 4:30 PM ET on CBS. Later that night, the San Francisco 49ers face the Seattle Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET on FOX.
Sunday, January 18, gives us the Houston Texans at the New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET, ESPN/ABC) and the Los Angeles Rams at the Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET, NBC).
It’s weird seeing teams like the Bears and Broncos in these slots while we're wondering is bengals game televised today, but that's the parity of the league for you.
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Where to Find Bengals Content During the Offseason
Just because they aren't playing today doesn't mean there's nothing to watch. If you're looking for Bengals-related television or media, you've still got options to scratch that itch.
- Local Coach's Shows: Check WXIX (FOX19) in Cincinnati or local affiliates in Dayton and Columbus. They often run wrap-up specials or "State of the Franchise" segments this time of year.
- The 2026 Draft Prep: Since the Bengals hold the 10th overall pick in the upcoming draft, the NFL Network is basically your new best friend. You'll see plenty of "Mock Draft" segments featuring Cincinnati's needs—mostly focused on fixing a defense that ranked near the bottom of the league this year.
- Bengals.com: They usually post "Jungle Insider" videos or player exit interviews. It’s not a live game, but it's the closest you'll get.
Fixing the "No Game" Blues: Actionable Next Steps
Look, it sucks that the season is over. But if you were searching for the game because you’re a die-hard fan, here is what you should actually be doing today instead of looking for a TV channel:
- Check the 2026 Opponent List: The NFL has already finalized who the Bengals play next season. You can start planning those road trips now. They'll be facing the Ravens, Steelers, and Browns (obviously), but also the Chiefs, Jaguars, and Titans at home.
- Monitor the Coaching Carousel: Keep an eye on the defensive staff. With the defense ranking 32nd in several categories, changes are likely.
- Update Your Gear: This is the best time to buy Bengals jerseys. Prices usually dip once the team is out of the hunt and before the new season hype starts.
The search for is bengals game televised today might have ended in a "no," but the 2026 season cycle has already begun. The draft is only a few months away, and with a top-10 pick, the rebuild (or reload) starts now.