If you’re staring at your phone wondering what time does bengals play, you’ve probably realized that being a Bengals fan in 2026 requires a bit of a detective’s mindset. The NFL schedule isn't just a list of games anymore; it's a moving target of flex scheduling, streaming exclusives, and international windows.
Honestly, the "Who Dey" lifestyle has changed. It's no longer just about showing up at Paycor Stadium at 1:00 PM every Sunday. Between the Prime Video Thursday night slots and the inevitable late-season flexes, keeping track of the kickoff is a full-time job.
The Current State of the Bengals Schedule
As of right now, in mid-January 2026, the Cincinnati Bengals are officially in "offseason mode." After a tough 6-11 finish in the 2025 season—capping off with a narrow 20-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns on January 4th—the team is currently not playing any games.
I know, it's a bummer. But if you're looking for the next time Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase take the field, you're looking at the 2026 Preseason in August.
The NFL typically releases the official regular-season schedule in mid-May. That is the "Golden Date" when we find out exactly what time the Bengals play for all 17 games. Until then, we have to work with the confirmed opponents and the standard NFL scheduling windows.
Who is Cincinnati Playing in 2026?
We already know the "who" and the "where," even if the "when" is still pending. The Bengals finished third in the AFC North, which dictates their specific matchups against other third-place finishers.
Home Games at Paycor Stadium:
- Baltimore Ravens (The usual divisional slugfest)
- Cleveland Browns (Always a toss-up)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (The game every Cincy fan circles twice)
- Kansas City Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes vs. Joe Burrow is basically a national holiday now)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (Trevor Lawrence coming to the Jungle)
- Tennessee Titans (A physical matchup usually slated for 1:00 PM)
- New Orleans Saints (NFC South rotation)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Another NFC South visitor)
Away Games (Road Trips!):
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cleveland Browns
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Atlanta Falcons (A trip to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
- Carolina Panthers (Charlotte is basically a home game for Bengals fans anyway)
- Houston Texans (CJ Stroud is a problem, let's be real)
- Indianapolis Colts (The I-74 rivalry)
- Miami Dolphins (A rematch of last year's 45-21 Cincy blowout)
- Washington Commanders (The 17th game addition)
Understanding NFL Kickoff Times
When the schedule finally drops in May, you'll see a variety of times. Here is how the league usually breaks them down for the Bengals:
The 1:00 PM ET Window
This is the bread and butter. Most of the home games against teams like the Titans or the Jaguars will likely land here. It’s the traditional "tailgate at 9:00 AM, game at 1:00" vibe.
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The 4:05/4:25 PM ET "Late" Window
Expect the Bengals to land here for games against high-profile opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs. If a game has massive playoff implications or features two superstar QBs, CBS or FOX will fight to put it in the late afternoon slot to maximize viewers.
Prime Time (8:15 PM or 8:20 PM ET)
These are the games that make you tired at work on Monday.
- Thursday Night Football: Exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
- Sunday Night Football: The NBC flagship.
- Monday Night Football: ESPN/ABC.
Given the Bengals' star power—assuming everyone stays healthy—it's almost a guarantee they’ll have 3 to 5 prime-time games in 2026.
The "Flex" Factor: Why Times Change
Here is the thing about what time does bengals play: it can change. Starting around Week 5, the NFL can move Sunday afternoon games to Sunday night. By the end of the season, even Monday night games can be flexed.
If the Bengals are on a heater in December and they’re scheduled to play the Steelers at 1:00 PM, don't get too comfortable. There is a high chance the league moves that to 8:20 PM to capture a national audience. Always check the official NFL app or the Bengals' website 12 days before kickoff to make sure the time hasn't shifted.
How to Watch the Bengals in 2026
Watching the game is gettin' complicated. It's basically a subscription scavenger hunt.
- CBS & FOX: Still the kings of Sunday afternoon. Most AFC games (like Bengals vs. Ravens) are on CBS.
- NBC: Sunday Night Football and the Peacock-only exclusives.
- ESPN/ABC: The home of Monday Night Football.
- Amazon Prime Video: The exclusive home for Thursday Night Football.
- NFL+: Great for watching on your phone or tablet if you’re in the local Cincinnati market.
If you’re outside of the Cincinnati area, you’re basically forced into YouTube TV's NFL Sunday Ticket. It’s pricey, but it’s the only way to see every out-of-market game.
Key Dates for Bengals Fans to Watch
Since there aren't any games right this second, here is what you should be tracking to get your football fix:
- February 8, 2026: Super Bowl LX. The Bengals aren't in it this year, but it's the official end of the season.
- March 11, 2026: Free Agency begins. This is when the Bengals need to address that defense. Duke Tobin has already hinted at "adding pass rush juice."
- April 23-25, 2026: The NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The Bengals currently hold the 10th overall pick.
- Mid-May 2026: The official schedule release. This is when we definitively answer "what time does bengals play" for every single week.
Actionable Steps for the "Who Dey" Faithful
Don't wait until August to get ready for the season. If you want to be the person in the friend group who actually knows what's going on, do this:
- Download the Bengals Official App: Enable notifications for "Schedule Updates." They’ll ping you the second the May release happens.
- Sync Your Calendar: Once the schedule is out, most team sites offer a "Sync to Calendar" button. Do it. It automatically updates if a game gets flexed from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Book Travel Early: If you’re planning to hit that away game in Miami or Atlanta, book the hotel as soon as the dates drop in May. Prices near the stadiums triple once the schedule is public.
- Check Your Streaming Subs: Ensure you have access to Prime Video before the season starts. There's nothing worse than missing the first quarter because you’re trying to remember your Amazon password.
The quest to find out what time does bengals play is a season-long journey. For now, enjoy the peace and quiet of the offseason, keep an eye on that 10th overall draft pick, and get ready for the May schedule drop. That’s when the real planning begins.