If you’re looking for a kickoff time or wondering what channel the game is on, I’ve got some tough news for you. The Cincinnati Bengals do not play this weekend. While the rest of the NFL gears up for a high-stakes Divisional Round on January 17 and 18, 2026, the lights at Paycor Stadium are dark.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a gut punch for the Who Dey nation. After a rollercoaster 2025 season that saw Joe Burrow return to form but the team struggle to find a consistent rhythm, Cincinnati finished with a 7-10 record. They missed the cut. Instead of watching Ja’Marr Chase torch secondaries in the playoffs, fans are currently looking at draft boards and coaching carousels.
The NFL Divisional Round Schedule (Without Cincinnati)
Even though the Bengals aren't suited up, the AFC is moving forward. If you’re a football fan, you’re probably still going to watch, even if it’s just to scout the competition for next year. Here is how the actual playoff slate looks for this weekend:
- Saturday, Jan 17: The Buffalo Bills travel to Mile High to face the Denver Broncos at 4:30 PM ET. Later that night, it’s an NFC West war as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks.
- Sunday, Jan 18: The Houston Texans—who just bounced the Steelers out of the Wild Card—visit the New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET. The weekend wraps up with the Los Angeles Rams at the Chicago Bears.
Basically, the Bengals are on the outside looking in. It’s the third straight year Cincinnati has missed the postseason, a stat that feels weird considering how dominant this group looked just a few years ago.
Why Who Do The Bengals Play This Weekend remains a popular question
It’s a testament to the "Joe Burrow effect." Even when the team is down, people expect them to be there. There was a glimmer of hope late in the season when the Bengals won back-to-back games against the Cardinals and Browns, but the hole they dug early on was just too deep.
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A lot of the confusion stems from how the AFC North turned into a complete blender this month. The Steelers made the playoffs but got embarrassed 30-6 by Houston. The Ravens and Browns both fired their head coaches. In the middle of all that chaos, it’s easy to lose track of who actually made the dance.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Opponents
Since there’s no game to prepare for this Sunday, the focus has shifted entirely to the 2026 schedule. We already know who they’re playing; we just don't know the dates yet. The NFL’s rotation formula means the Bengals will face the AFC South and the NFC South next season.
Home Games at Paycor Stadium:
You’ve got the usual divisional suspects: the Ravens, Browns, and Steelers. But the big ones? The Kansas City Chiefs are coming back to Cincinnati. That’s always a heavyweight fight. You’ve also got the Jaguars, Titans, Saints, and Buccaneers making the trip to the Queen City.
Away Games:
The road schedule is actually pretty manageable. Short trips to Baltimore, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh are standard. The "long" hauls are to Houston, Indy, Miami, Atlanta, and Charlotte. They also have a date with the Washington Commanders on the road.
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The coaching drama next door
One thing Bengals fans should keep an eye on this weekend—even if their team is idle—is the Baltimore Ravens' coaching search. Word is that former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is a top candidate for the Ravens job.
If that happens, the Bengals will be facing a coach who knows them intimately twice a year, just in a different purple jersey. Meanwhile, Zac Taylor remains the only "stable" coach in the division. Every other team in the AFC North is currently looking for a new leader or dealing with a massive identity crisis.
Actionable steps for Bengals fans
Since you won't be heading to the stadium this weekend, here is how you can actually stay productive in your fandom:
1. Track the 2026 NFL Draft Order
The Bengals are currently sitting with the 10th overall pick. Keep an eye on the Divisional Round games. If teams like the Texans or Bills pull off upsets, it shifts the draft stock of players the Bengals might be eyeing to protect Burrow.
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2. Watch the AFC North Coaching Hires
The hiring of Dan Pitcher (Bengals OC) is a real possibility for divisional rivals. If Cincinnati loses their offensive coordinator to the Browns or Steelers, the 2026 season looks very different.
3. Reset Expectations
Missing the playoffs is never the goal, but the "third-place schedule" for 2026 is a massive silver lining. Playing the 3rd-place teams from other divisions (Chiefs and Dolphins) might sound tough, but it's statistically easier than the gauntlet the division winner has to run.
The Bengals might be resting this weekend, but the work for 2026 has already started. Keep your eyes on the coaching carousel and the scouting reports.