The question of what time do the bengals play sunday is usually the most searched phrase in the 513 area code from September through January. Fans want to know when to fire up the smoker, when to head to the banks, and when to start pacing their living rooms. But if you’re looking for a kickoff time for today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, I have some news that might sting a little.
The Cincinnati Bengals are not playing today.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling. For a team that has redefined "Who Dey" over the last few years, seeing the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs happen without Joe Burrow under center feels wrong. But after a rollercoaster 2025-2026 campaign that saw the Bengals finish with a 6-11 record, the team is currently in offseason mode.
The Reality of the 2025-2026 Season
While the rest of the AFC North—specifically the Pittsburgh Steelers—found their way into the postseason mix, Cincinnati struggled to find a consistent rhythm. We saw flashes of greatness. Who could forget the absolute dismantling of the Miami Dolphins in Week 16 where the Bengals hung 45 points? Or that gritty 32-14 Thanksgiving win over the Baltimore Ravens?
Those moments made us believe.
👉 See also: Seattle Seahawks Game Schedule: Why the 2025-26 Postseason Is Different
But the NFL is a league of consistency, and unfortunately, a mid-season slump proved too much to overcome. Losing close games to the Jets and Bears earlier in the year eventually came back to haunt the standings. By the time Week 18 rolled around on January 4, 2026, the 20-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns was just the final punctuation mark on a season that didn't go according to plan.
If the Bengals Aren’t Playing, Who Is?
Just because the Bengals aren't on doesn't mean there isn't football. If you were asking what time do the bengals play sunday because you're looking for a reason to sit on the couch and ignore your chores, you still have two massive Divisional Round matchups today.
- 3:00 PM ET: The Houston Texans travel to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots. This game is airing on ABC. It’s a fascinating matchup because both teams have essentially rebuilt themselves faster than anyone expected.
- 6:30 PM ET: The Los Angeles Rams face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. You can catch this one on NBC or stream it on Peacock. Seeing the Bears in a Divisional home game feels like a throwback to a different era of football.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
Since the Bengals' season is officially in the rearview mirror, fans are already looking at who’s coming to Paycor Stadium next year. The 2026 opponents are already locked in, even if the specific dates and kickoff times won't be announced by the NFL until May.
Basically, the Bengals finished third in the AFC North. This means they’ll face a "third-place" schedule, which, ironically, often provides an easier path back to the playoffs.
In 2026, Cincinnati will host the Kansas City Chiefs. That's always a heavyweight fight. They also have home games against the Jaguars, Titans, Saints, and Buccaneers. On the road, they’ll be heading to places like Houston, Indianapolis, Atlanta, and Charlotte to face the Panthers. And, of course, the usual bloodbaths against the Ravens, Steelers, and Browns remain on the calendar twice a year.
Why the Kickoff Time Matters
For many fans, knowing what time do the bengals play sunday is about more than just football. It’s about the ritual. It’s about the 1:00 PM games that allow for a full evening of recovery, or the 4:25 PM "Game of the Week" slots that feel higher stakes.
The Bengals' absence from today’s schedule is a reminder of how thin the margins are in this league. A missed field goal here, a turnover there, and suddenly you're watching the Texans and Patriots play for a spot in the AFC Championship while you’re looking at mock drafts.
If you’re a die-hard member of the Jungle, the next "true" kickoff time you need to worry about will likely be in early August for the 2026 preseason. Until then, we watch the playoffs as observers, scouting the competition and waiting for the moment Burrow and Chase return to the field.
Immediate Next Steps for Bengals Fans
- Check the 2026 Opponent List: Familiarize yourself with the home/away rotation so you can plan any road trips to Atlanta or Houston.
- Monitor the Draft Order: With a 6-11 record, the Bengals are picking 10th overall in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl and Combine to see which offensive linemen or defensive ends might be available.
- Watch the Divisional Games: Pay attention to how the Texans and Patriots are structured—these are the teams the Bengals will need to leapfrog next season to get back into the Sunday afternoon playoff slots.