So, you’re looking for the Bengals. It’s Wednesday, January 14, 2026. You’ve got the jersey ready, maybe some Skyline chili is simmering on the stove, and you’re scrolling through the guide trying to figure out what time is bengals game on tv today so you can set your afternoon schedule.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news. Honestly, it’s a bit of a gut punch for the Who Dey nation.
There is no Bengals game on TV today. In fact, the Cincinnati Bengals' season is officially over. They won’t be taking the field again until the 2026 preseason kicks off in August. While the NFL playoffs are currently in full swing, the Bengals are watching from home this year.
What Happened to the 2025-2026 Season?
If you feel like you missed something, here is the quick, messy reality of how we got here. The Bengals finished their 2025 regular season with a 6-11 record. It was a rollercoaster that started with high hopes and ended with a 20-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns on January 4, 2026.
That Week 18 game at Paycor Stadium was essentially the final nail. Joe Burrow threw for 236 yards and three touchdowns, but a missed extra point and a last-second 49-yard field goal by Cleveland’s Andre Szmyt sent Cincinnati into the offseason.
It's frustrating. You've got a roster with Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, yet the team finished third in the AFC North. Because of that 6-11 finish, the Bengals did not qualify for the postseason.
The NFL Playoff Schedule: Who IS Playing?
Since you’re probably still itching for some football, even if it isn't the Men in Stripes, the league is currently between rounds. We just wrapped up a wild Wild Card weekend.
If you are looking for live action, you’ll have to wait until this coming Saturday. The Divisional Round is where the real heavy hitters come out. Here is what the upcoming TV schedule looks like for the games that are actually happening:
- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos at 4:30 PM ET (CBS/Paramount+).
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET (FOX).
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET (ESPN/ABC).
- Sunday, Jan 18: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears at 6:30 PM ET (NBC/Peacock).
The Bengals’ division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, actually made it into the Wild Card round but were knocked out by the Texans on Monday night. So, if it makes you feel any better, the rest of the AFC North (minus the Browns, who also missed out) is starting to join the Bengals on the couch.
Why Everyone Asks What Time Is Bengals Game on TV Today
It’s a common mix-up. During the playoffs, the schedule gets "flexed" and moved around so much that it's easy to lose track of who is still in the hunt. Plus, with 14 teams making the playoffs now, the postseason feels longer and more crowded.
People often see "NFL Football" on the calendar for mid-January and assume their local team is involved. Unfortunately, for Cincinnati fans, the 10th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft is the only "game" left to win.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Bengals Schedule
Since there’s no game today, let’s talk about what’s next. The NFL has already finalized the opponents for the 2026 season based on the final standings.
👉 See also: Big 12 Standings Football: Why Everyone Was Wrong About the Red Raiders
The Bengals are going to have a "third-place schedule," which sounds bad but is actually a silver lining. It means they play other teams that finished third in their respective divisions. This usually results in a slightly easier path back to the playoffs.
In 2026, the Bengals will host the Kansas City Chiefs at Paycor Stadium. That’s always a massive TV draw. They’ll also be facing the NFC South, meaning games against the Saints and Buccaneers. On the road, they’re slated to visit the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins.
Actionable Steps for Bengals Fans Today
Just because Joe Burrow isn't on your screen tonight doesn't mean you can't get your football fix. Here is what you should actually do with your Wednesday:
- Check the Draft Order: Since the Bengals are picking 10th, start looking at mock drafts. Most experts are pointing toward the Bengals needing offensive line depth or a pass rusher to help Myles Murphy and Sam Hubbard.
- Review the Coaching Changes: The AFC North is in flux. The Browns just fired Kevin Stefanski, and there are rumors about staff changes in Baltimore. Keep an eye on the news wire; who the rivals hire matters just as much as who the Bengals keep.
- Set Your Divisional Round Alerts: If you want to watch the teams that beat the Bengals this year, make sure your streaming apps (Paramount+, Peacock, and YouTube TV) are updated before Saturday's kickoff.
- Gear Up for Free Agency: The NFL offseason officially begins in March. That is when the Bengals can start spending money to ensure we aren't having this "why aren't they playing" conversation again next January.
The sting of a 6-11 season is real, but the road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara starts with the work done this winter. For now, put the jersey back in the closet—Saturday is the next time you'll need the remote.