If you’re waking up this Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, and scrambling to find what channel are the Bengals playing on today, I have some news that might sting a little. Honestly, it’s the kind of news nobody in Cincinnati wants to hear.
The Bengals aren't playing today.
While the NFL world is buzzing with Divisional Round playoff action—the Buffalo Bills are taking on the Denver Broncos right now, followed by a massive 49ers and Seahawks showdown—the Bengals are already looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft. It's a tough pill to swallow after the high expectations of the Burrow-Chase era, but the 2025-2026 season simply didn't go the way the Jungle hoped.
Understanding the Bengals 2025 Season Fallout
To get the full picture of why the Bengals aren't on your screen during this playoff weekend, we have to look at the wreckage of the 2025 season. Cincinnati finished with a frustrating 6-11 record, landing them the 10th overall pick in the upcoming draft.
They weren't "bad" in the way some teams are bottom-feeders. They were just... inconsistent.
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The defense struggled significantly, ranking near the bottom of the league (32nd in scoring defense at one point during the stretch). When you’re giving up 30 points a game, even Joe Burrow's magic can only do so much. They had moments of brilliance—like that 32-14 Thanksgiving beatdown of the Baltimore Ravens—but they followed it up with heartbreakers against the Jets and Bears.
By the time Week 18 rolled around, a 20-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns officially closed the book on their year.
Is there ANY Bengals team playing today?
Kinda. If you’re a die-hard fan of the name and just need to root for a "Bengal," you’ll have to switch sports entirely.
The Idaho State Bengals are actually in action today, January 17. If you have ESPN+, you can catch them taking on the Eastern Washington Eagles at Reed Gym in Pocatello. It’s college basketball, not the NFL, but hey, the stripes are still there. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM PST.
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What Channel are the Bengals Playing on Today: The 2026 Outlook
Since the TV is staying dark for Cincinnati today, let’s talk about when you will see them back on the major networks. The 2026 schedule is already finalized in terms of opponents, and it’s a gauntlet.
Because they finished fourth in the AFC North, they actually get a "last place" schedule, which sounds insulting but is secretly a blessing for a team trying to rebound. They'll host the Kansas City Chiefs at Paycor Stadium next year, which is always a ratings goldmine for CBS. They also have home games against the Buccaneers and Saints, plus the usual divisional bloodbaths with the Ravens, Steelers, and Browns.
Where to watch the NFL Playoffs today instead
If you're just a fan of the game and want to see who might be standing in the Bengals' way in 2026, here is the broadcast lineup for today’s Divisional Round:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: 4:30 PM ET on CBS. This is the Josh Allen vs. the Mile High altitude matchup everyone is talking about.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: 8:00 PM ET on FOX. A classic NFC West rivalry that usually ends in some sort of chaos.
You can stream these on Paramount+ (for the CBS game) and the FOX Sports app (for the nightcap).
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Why the Bengals Missed the Cut
A lot of people are asking how a team with this much talent ended up watching the playoffs from the couch. Basically, it came down to the trenches.
The offensive line, despite years of investment, still had "leaky" games that forced Burrow into quick-release situations where the deep ball to Ja'Marr Chase just couldn't develop. On the other side of the ball, the pass rush didn't hit home often enough.
Expert analysts like Cris Collinsworth have pointed out that the AFC North has become the most brutal division in football. With Aaron Rodgers (now a Steeler) and Lamar Jackson still playing at elite levels, there is zero margin for error. Cincinnati had too many errors.
Actionable Steps for Bengals Fans
So, what do you do now? If you were searching for what channel are the Bengals playing on today, you’re clearly ready for some football. Here is how to handle the "Bengals-less" January:
- Scout the Draft: Start looking at mock drafts for that #10 pick. The Bengals desperately need defensive line help or potentially a top-tier tackle to keep Burrow upright.
- Watch the AFC Competition: Pay close attention to the Bills and Broncos today. Whoever wins the AFC title this year is the benchmark the Bengals have to clear in seven months.
- Check Local Listings for "Bengals Weekly": Even in the off-season, local affiliates like WXIX (FOX19) in Cincinnati often run recap specials or coach interviews.
- Wait for the 2026 Schedule Release: Expect the full dates and times to drop in May. That’s when we’ll know exactly which games are primetime slots on NBC and ESPN.
It’s a long wait until September, but for a team with a healthy Joe Burrow, the "Super Bowl window" is never truly closed—it's just boarded up for the winter.
Keep an eye on the injury reports and the scouting combine in February. That is where the road back to the playoffs actually starts.