You're probably staring at your phone or refreshing your sports app trying to figure out what time do the bengals play tomorrow because, let’s be honest, NFL playoff season usually means big games on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s that time of year when the air gets crisp, the wings are ordered, and the Who Dey nation is ready to roar. But if you’re looking for a kickoff time for Saturday, January 17, 2026, I have some news that might sting a little.
The Cincinnati Bengals are not playing tomorrow.
Honestly, it’s a tough pill to swallow after the highs and lows of the season. If you feel like you missed a memo, you didn’t. The Bengals’ 2025-2026 campaign officially wrapped up on January 4, 2026, following a narrow 20-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns. That game at Paycor Stadium put the final nail in the coffin for a season that ended with a 6-11 record.
The Reality of the Bengals Postseason (or Lack Thereof)
While the rest of the AFC is gearing up for the Divisional Round, Cincinnati is already looking toward the NFL Draft. It's weird, right? We’ve grown so used to Joe Burrow leading late-January charges that a Saturday without a Bengals game feels fundamentally wrong.
Basically, the team finished 4th in the AFC North. When you look at the divisional standings, the Ravens, Steelers, and even the Browns managed to stay in the hunt longer. The Bengals' season was a bit of a roller coaster—starting with hope, hitting a brutal mid-season slump where they lost four in a row, and eventually falling out of the playoff picture entirely.
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Because they didn't make the cut, there is no game tomorrow. The "Divisional Round" is happening, but the Bengals are spectators this time around.
Who Is Playing Tomorrow?
Since you've already cleared your schedule and you’re looking for football, the NFL does have a massive slate for the Divisional Round. Just because our guys aren't on the field doesn't mean there isn't drama to watch.
If you were searching for what time do the bengals play tomorrow hoping to see some AFC action, you’ll actually find the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos. That game kicks off at 4:30 PM ET on CBS. The Broncos have been a powerhouse this year, finishing 14-3, and they’re the #1 seed for a reason.
Later in the evening, the NFC takes over. The San Francisco 49ers travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET. It’s a classic rivalry game, and while it’s not the Bengals, it’s usually high-intensity football.
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Saturday, January 17, 2026 Schedule:
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: 4:30 PM ET (CBS/Paramount+)
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: 8:00 PM ET (FOX)
What Happened to the Bengals This Season?
It’s easy to point fingers, but the 6-11 finish was a mix of "everything that could go wrong, did go wrong." Sorta.
The defense struggled to stop the run early on, and while the offense had flashes of brilliance—like that 45-21 blowout against the Dolphins in Week 16—it wasn't enough to overcome the 3-8 start they dug themselves into. Many fans are already debating if the coaching staff needs a total overhaul or if this was just a "gap year" plagued by injuries and bad luck.
Joe Burrow finished the season healthy, which is the silver lining everyone is clinging to. But a healthy Burrow with a 6-11 record just feels like a wasted opportunity in a window that won't stay open forever.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Since there’s no game tomorrow, the real focus for fans has shifted to the "Offseason Super Bowl"—the Draft and Free Agency.
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Because of that 6-11 record, the Bengals are looking at a high draft pick. This is where the franchise has historically rebuilt itself. Remember, this is the same process that brought in Ja'Marr Chase and Burrow. The 2026 opponents have already been determined, even if the exact dates won't be out until May.
We know for sure they’ll be facing the usual AFC North rivals twice, but they also have matchups slated against the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, and Washington Commanders on the road. At home, they’ll host teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.
Actionable Steps for Bengals Fans Tomorrow
So, what do you do with your Saturday if you aren't watching the Bengals?
- Scout the Competition: Watch the Bills vs. Broncos game at 4:30 PM. These are the teams the Bengals have to leapfrog next year to get back to the top of the AFC.
- Check the Mock Drafts: Now that the Bengals’ draft position is mostly locked in, experts like Mel Kiper Jr. and Dane Brugler are starting to post their initial big boards. See who the projected top offensive linemen or defensive ends are.
- Audit the Roster: Look at the pending free agents. Cincinnati has some tough decisions to make on expiring contracts this spring.
- Gear Up for 2026: If you’re a season ticket holder or looking to go to Paycor next year, the schedules are usually released in mid-May. Mark your calendar for "Schedule Release Day" to see when the home opener actually lands.
It sucks not having a game to look forward to tomorrow. Kinda feels like a Saturday without a soul. But in the NFL, the turnaround can be fast. While you won't be asking what time do the bengals play tomorrow for the rest of this postseason, the groundwork for the 2026 comeback starts now.
Enjoy the playoff games for what they are—great football—and start counting down the days until training camp in July.