You've been there. It’s nearly kickoff, the wings are hot, and you’re frantically scrolling through the guide because the "local" game on CBS is somehow a random AFC South matchup instead of Joe Burrow and the boys. If you're looking for what channel is the Cincinnati Bengals game on today, January 14, 2026, the short answer is: there isn't one. The Bengals' 2025-2026 season officially wrapped up a few days ago. While teams like the Steelers and Texans are still grinding through the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Cincinnati is currently in "wait until next year" mode. It's a bit of a gut punch for a team that has lived in the postseason lately, but honestly, that's just the reality of the AFC North this year.
Why the Bengals Aren't Playing Today
Look, the NFL schedule is a beast. For the Bengals, the 2025 season was a rollercoaster that ultimately ended after Week 18. Despite some massive performances—including a late-season win against the Dolphins—Cincinnati finished third in the division.
Because of that third-place finish, they didn't make the cut for the Wild Card or the Divisional Round happening this weekend. While you won't find them on CBS, FOX, or NBC right now, the silver lining is that their 2026 opponents are already locked in. We basically know exactly who is coming to Paycor Stadium next fall.
Where to Watch the Rest of the NFL Playoffs
Since you’re probably still itching for some football, even if it isn't the Bengals, here is where the postseason action is landing. If you're trying to figure out what channel is the Cincinnati Bengals game on and realize they're out, these are your backup plans for the upcoming Divisional Round:
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- Saturday, Jan 17: The Buffalo Bills take on the Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET. You can catch that one on CBS.
- Saturday Night: A massive NFC West clash between the 49ers and Seahawks airs at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
- Sunday, Jan 18: The Houston Texans (who just beat the Steelers) visit the New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC.
- Sunday Night: The Rams face the Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
If you've cut the cord, you’re basically looking at Paramount+ for the CBS games and Peacock for the NBC Sunday night slot. FuboTV and YouTube TV still carry everything, but the prices are getting a little wild lately, aren't they?
Looking Ahead: The Bengals 2026 TV Schedule
Even though the 2025 season is in the rearview, we can already project where you'll find the games next season. Because the Bengals finished third in the AFC North, their 2026 schedule is actually kinda fascinating. They’ve drawn the "third-place" schedule, which means some high-profile matchups against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs at home and the Miami Dolphins on the road.
Typically, Bengals games are split between CBS (Local 12 in Cincinnati) and FOX (FOX19). However, because Joe Burrow is a massive TV draw, expect a healthy dose of Monday Night Football on ESPN and Sunday Night Football on NBC.
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Cincinnati Bengals 2026 Opponents (Home and Away)
The NFL hasn't released the specific dates or times yet—that usually happens in May—but the "who" and "where" are set:
- Home Games: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Away Games: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers.
Common Misconceptions About Finding the Game
People often think that if they have NFL+, they can watch any game live on their TV. That’s a total myth. NFL+ is mostly for mobile devices and tablets for live local games. If you want the Bengals on the "big screen" and you live outside of Ohio, you’re still looking at YouTube TV's NFL Sunday Ticket.
Also, don't sleep on an old-school digital antenna. If you live in the Cincinnati area, you can get the Bengals for free in high definition over the air. It’s the one thing that hasn't changed in forty years, and it still works better than a laggy stream.
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What to Do While the Bengals Are Off
Since there is no game on the channel today, it's a good time to keep an eye on the 2026 NFL Draft prep. The Bengals are currently slated for the 10th overall pick. After a season where the defense struggled to get off the field in the fourth quarter, most experts like Kevin Kelley are pointing toward defensive line help or a playmaking tight end.
The scouting combine is coming up in February, which is usually the first time we see the front office start to tip their hand. Paycor Stadium might be quiet today, but the work for next September is already starting.
Next Steps for Bengals Fans:
- Check out the NFL Divisional Round this weekend on CBS, FOX, and NBC to see who might represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
- Audit your streaming subscriptions now—if you only had Peacock or Paramount+ for Bengals games, you might want to pause those until the preseason kicks off in August.
- Keep an eye on the 2026 NFL Draft order; with the 10th pick, the Bengals are in a prime position to snag a Day 1 starter for the offensive line.