If you’re scrambling to find out what time does the bengals game start tonight, I have some news that might be a bit of a gut punch depending on how closely you’ve been following the standings.
Honestly, the short answer is: they aren't playing.
👉 See also: Penn State Football Draft Picks: Why the Nittany Lions Own the NFL Draft
Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026. While it’s the heart of the NFL Divisional Round, the Cincinnati Bengals didn't make the cut for this weekend’s postseason slate. After a rocky end to the 2025 regular season—finishing 6-11 and landing third in the AFC North—Joe Burrow and company are already in offseason mode.
It’s kinda a bummer for the Who Dey Nation, especially with the high hopes everyone had back in September. But just because the Bengals aren't on doesn't mean the TV is staying off. The NFL playoffs are still moving full steam ahead tonight with some heavy hitters.
Who is Playing Instead of the Bengals?
Since the Bengals aren't suiting up, you’re looking at a double-header of playoff football today. If you were hoping for that 4:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. slot, those are definitely taken.
The Buffalo Bills are taking on the Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. This one is basically the "what could have been" game for Bengals fans, as Buffalo has been a frequent rival in the AFC race. Then, at 8:00 p.m. ET, the San Francisco 49ers face off against the Seattle Seahawks on FOX.
It’s weird seeing Denver in this spot, isn’t it? Bo Nix has been playing out of his mind, leading them to a 14-3 record this year. Meanwhile, the Bengals are looking at draft boards and wondering how to fix that 12th-ranked defense that let too many games slip away in the fourth quarter.
Why the Bengals Missed the 2026 Playoffs
You’ve probably seen the stats, but let's be real—the AFC North was a meat grinder this year. The Ravens and Browns both pushed into the postseason, leaving Cincinnati on the outside looking in.
There were a few moments that basically sealed their fate:
- The Week 17 Loss: Falling to the Arizona Cardinals in a game that felt winnable but slipped through their fingers.
- Division Record: Going 3-3 in the AFC North sounds decent, but when everyone else is winning 11 or 12 games, "decent" gets you a couch and a bag of chips in January.
- Injuries: While Joe Burrow stayed relatively healthy this season, the offensive line depth was tested early and often, leading to some stagnant performances in November.
Basically, the team never quite found that rhythm they had during their Super Bowl run. It was a year of "almosts." Almost beat the Jets. Almost made a comeback against the Ravens on Thanksgiving. But in the NFL, almost doesn't get you a kickoff time on Divisional Saturday.
When Do the Bengals Play Next? (2026 Season Lookahead)
Even though you won't find a Bengals game tonight, the 2026 opponents are already locked in. We don't have the exact kickoff times yet—the NFL usually drops the full calendar in May—but we know who is coming to Paycor Stadium.
The 2026 home schedule looks like a gauntlet. You’ve got the Ravens, Browns, and Steelers (obviously), but also the Kansas City Chiefs. Every time Mahomes comes to town, it’s a primetime contender. They’ll also host the Jaguars and Titans, which should be interesting matchups against Trevor Lawrence and Cam Ward.
On the road, things get even tougher. Cincinnati has to travel to Miami, Indianapolis, and even Landover to face the Washington Commanders. Since the Bengals finished third in their division, they get a "third-place" schedule, which is supposed to be easier but rarely feels like it.
How to Keep Up With Bengals News This Offseason
Since there is no game to watch tonight, the focus shifts to the front office. Free agency starts in March, and the NFL Draft in April will be huge for Cincy. They need help on the defensive interior and likely another weapon for Burrow if they want to get back to playing in January 2027.
If you’re still itching for football, tonight’s Bills vs. Broncos game is your best bet for high-level AFC action. Just pretend the orange and black helmets are there in spirit.
You can stay updated on potential coaching changes or roster moves by following the team’s official "Bengals Weekly" broadcasts. They usually air on Sundays at 11:30 p.m. on WXIX (FOX19) in Cincinnati, even during the offseason.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check out the NFL Draft order to see where the Bengals are picking. Since they finished 6-11, they'll have a high enough selection to snag a legitimate Day 1 starter. You might also want to set a calendar alert for the NFL Schedule Release in mid-May so you aren't caught off guard by kickoff times next season.