If you woke up today, January 18, 2026, and frantically searched for what was the score of the bengals game last night, you probably noticed something confusing. You saw headlines about the Seahawks crushing the 49ers 41-6. You maybe saw that the Denver Broncos edged out the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in an overtime thriller. But the Cincinnati Bengals?
They weren't on the field.
It’s a bit of a gut punch for the Who Dey nation, but honestly, the Bengals' season ended two weeks ago. While the NFL Divisional Round was heating up yesterday with some absolute fireworks, Joe Burrow and the rest of the squad were already deep into the offseason.
The Reality of the Bengals Game Last Night
Let’s be blunt. The reason you can’t find a score for a game "last night" is that the Cincinnati Bengals did not qualify for the 2025-26 NFL playoffs. Their final game of the year took place on January 4, 2026.
📖 Related: Heisman Trophy Nominees 2024: The Year the System Almost Broke
In that season finale, the Bengals lost a heartbreaker to the Cleveland Browns with a score of 20-18.
It was a rough way to go out. The game was played at Paycor Stadium, and for a second, it looked like they might pull it off. After Ja'Marr Chase hauled in a 4-yard touchdown pass to give Cincy an 18-17 lead with just over a minute left, the stadium was electric. But then, Shedeur Sanders—who has been a fascinating story for Cleveland this year—marched the Browns down the field. Andre Szmyt nailed a 49-yard field goal as time expired.
Game over. Season over.
👉 See also: When Was the MLS Founded? The Chaotic Truth About American Soccer's Rebirth
Why People Are Confused About the Score
It’s easy to get turned around with the schedule, especially when other "Bengals" are actually playing. If you saw a score of 66-57 floating around, you weren't looking at Joe Burrow. You were likely looking at the Idaho State Bengals women’s basketball team, who actually did play yesterday, January 17. They beat Eastern Washington in a defensive grind.
Also, with the NFL playoffs in full swing, casual fans often assume the heavy hitters are always playing on Saturday night. But the AFC North was represented by the Steelers in the Wild Card round (who lost to the Houston Texans), and neither the Bengals nor the Ravens made it to the Divisional games played yesterday.
A Season to Forget (and Learn From)
The Bengals finished the 2025 season with a 6-11 record. That’s not where anyone expected this team to be. Looking back at the data, the issues weren't just about one bad play or a single injury.
✨ Don't miss: Navy Notre Dame Football: Why This Rivalry Still Hits Different
- Consistency: They had flashes of brilliance, like that 32-14 blowout against the Ravens on Thanksgiving.
- The Division: The AFC North was a meat grinder. The Steelers won the division at 10-7, while the Bengals fell to third place.
- Close Calls: Losing by two points in the finale is basically a microcosm of their whole year.
Joe Burrow finished the final game with a solid stat line—29 of 39 for 236 yards and three touchdowns—but one costly interception and a few special teams blunders (like missed extra points) really told the story of the season.
What’s Next for Cincinnati?
Since there was no Bengals game last night, the focus has shifted entirely to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency. Because of their 6-11 finish, the Bengals hold the 10th overall pick in the upcoming draft.
That’s a prime spot.
They’re currently looking at their 2026 opponents, which will include home games against the Chiefs, Jaguars, and Titans, alongside the usual divisional rivals. The front office has a massive task ahead. They need to bolster the line and find more defensive consistency if they want to be playing in the Divisional Round this time next year instead of watching from the couch.
If you're looking for live football today, January 18, you’ve got the Texans taking on the Patriots and the Rams facing the Bears. But for the Bengals? We’re waiting for training camp.
Your Offseason Action Plan
- Check the Mock Drafts: With the 10th pick, Cincy is in a position to grab a blue-chip tackle or a game-changing edge rusher. Keep an eye on the scouting reports coming out of the Senior Bowl.
- Monitor the Coaching Carousel: While the Bengals are sticking with their core, the Browns just fired Kevin Stefanski despite beating Cincy in the finale. Changes in the division will impact the Bengals' path in 2026.
- Watch the Cap Space: The Bengals have some decisions to make on expiring contracts. This spring will determine if the "window" is still open or if a larger retooling is happening.