The Cincinnati Bengals begin the 2026 NFL preseason hosting the Detroit Lions at Paycor Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on Fox 19 (WXIX-TV).
Cincinnati enters the 2026 season with new additions on defense including defensives tackle Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen, safety Bryan Cook and defensive end Boye Mafe.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is the only returning coach in the AFC North., but the Baltimore Ravens are favored to win the division and the Bengals have the second best odds. Taylor said earlier in the week he'll have starters playing against the Lions, but it's unclear for how long.
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Follow along for live updates and analysis as the Bengals and Lions
play in the preseason:
Will Bengals starters play against the Lions?
05:09 PM ET, August 13 2026, Jason HoffmanYes, Bengals starters will play against the Lions. Head coach Zac Taylor did not specify how long any offensive or defensive starters would be on the field.
Bengals preseason schedule
05:07 PM ET, August 13 2026, Jason HoffmanAfter hosting the Lions, the Bengals play two more preseason games before hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1:
Aug. 22: Bears @ Bengals; 7 p.m.
Aug. 28: Bengals @ Eagles; 8 p.m.
Bengals vs. Lions kickoff time and TV channel
05:04 PM ET, August 13 2026, Jason HoffmanThe Bengals and Lions preseason game at Paycor Stadium is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff and the game will be broadcast on Fox 19 (WXIX-TV).
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bengals vs. Lions live updates: Start time, TV channel for NFL preseason game
