If you’re looking for the Bengals to take the field this weekend, I've got some tough news. You’re going to be waiting a while. The Cincinnati Bengals won't play next until the 2026 NFL Preseason kicks off in August.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling in the Queen City right now. Usually, by mid-January, we’re checking point spreads or worrying about Joe Burrow's calf in a cold-weather playoff game. Not this time. After a gritty but ultimately disappointing 2025 campaign that ended with an 18-20 loss to the Browns on January 4, 2026, the Bengals finished 6-11. That record put them third in the AFC North and—critically—out of the postseason.
While the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos are duking it out in the Divisional Round today, the Bengals are already in "draft mode."
Bengals Schedule 2026: The Long Wait for Kickoff
Since the Bengals missed the 2026 playoffs, their next official game is months away. We don't have the exact dates yet because the NFL likes to make a massive spectacle out of the "Schedule Release" in May 2026.
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Here is what we actually know about when the Bengals play next:
- April 23-25, 2026: The NFL Draft. This isn't a game, but it's the next time the team "competes." Thanks to that 6-11 record, Cincinnati is currently slated for the 10th overall pick.
- August 2026: Preseason begins. Expect three games here, likely one or two at Paycor Stadium.
- September 10 or 13, 2026: The Regular Season opener.
It feels like forever. If you’re a die-hard, you’ve probably already got the calendar marked for May just to see if we get a Week 1 home game for once.
Who Will the Bengals Play in 2026?
Even though the "when" is a bit fuzzy, the "who" is set in stone. The NFL uses a formula, so we already know the 17 opponents. Because the Bengals finished third in their division, they actually caught a bit of a break with a "third-place schedule."
The Home Games at Paycor Stadium
You'll see some familiar faces in Cincinnati next year. The big one? Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are finally coming back to the Jungle. It’s been since 2022 since they played in Cincy; the last few matchups have all been in the loud environment of Arrowhead.
- The North: Ravens, Browns, Steelers (as always).
- AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.
- NFC South: New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- The "Place" Game: Kansas City Chiefs.
Road Trips on the Horizon
The 2026 road schedule is a bit of a mixed bag. There are some tough environments here, especially heading down to Houston.
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- The North: Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh.
- AFC South: Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts.
- NFC South: Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.
- The Extra Games: Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders.
Why the 2025 Season Ended Early
You’ve gotta look at why we’re even asking "when do Bengals play next" in January instead of February. The 2025 season was a rollercoaster that mostly went downhill.
The team started 2-0 with wins over Cleveland and Jacksonville, and fans were thinking Super Bowl. Then, the wheels sort of fell off. A four-game losing streak in October—including a brutal 10-48 blowout against the Vikings—exposed some real depth issues.
Injuries played a part, sure. They always do. But the defense struggled to get off the field on third down for most of the year. Watching the Steelers win the AFC North with Aaron Rodgers (who would’ve thought?) while the Bengals sat at the bottom was a bitter pill for fans to swallow.
What to Watch During the Offseason
Since the Bengals aren't playing next for a few months, the "game" moves to the front office. Duke Tobin and the scouting staff are looking at a top-10 pick. That’s premium territory.
People are already arguing about whether to grab a franchise tackle or another weapon for Burrow. With the 10th pick, they're in range for some elite talent. Plus, there’s the free agency period in March. The Bengals usually don't "win" free agency by spending $200 million in the first hour, but they’ll need to be aggressive to fix the trenches.
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Actionable Steps for Bengals Fans
Just because there isn't a game tomorrow doesn't mean there's nothing to do. If you're looking to stay locked in:
- Watch the NFL Draft Order: Keep an eye on underclassmen declarations this month. The Bengals' 10th pick is a major asset.
- Monitor the May Schedule Release: This is when we find out the specific dates and times for those home games against the Chiefs and Ravens.
- Check the Salary Cap: The Bengals have some big decisions to make on expiring contracts. February is when the "legal tampering" rumors usually start heating up.
The wait for the 2026 season will be long, but the road back to the top of the AFC North starts now. Grab some chili, settle in, and get ready for a busy spring of roster building.