The Cincinnati Bengals and the rest of the NFL officially released the schedule for the 2026 football season. It almost feels like we are there. In reality we are still months away from these games actually being played.
There is always plenty to get excited about as well as be frustrated about when the schedule first hits. It is easy to get excited about primetime games against divisional rivals or teams like the Washington Commanders with some star power at quarterback. However, the logistics can
always get in the way. Things like not having a week of rest after playing in Madrid.
What do you think of the schedule?
Bengals 2026 Schedule: Game-by-Game Breakdown and Matchups to Watch
Burrow got him back on Nov. 6, 2022 when he was playing for Carolina in a game the Bengals owned, 42-21. Backed by running back Joe Mixon’s franchise-record five touchdowns, Burrow was a deadly 22 of 28. Mayfield didn’t miss much either (14 of 20 for two touchdowns), but the Bengals held him to 155 yards.
Bengals 2026 Season Schedule Announced
Cincinnati will be featured in three primetime matchups, including two at Paycor Stadium against AFC North Division rivals. The Bengals will host Pittsburgh on Sunday Night Football on Nov. 15 (8:20 p.m. on NBC), then face Baltimore in a Thursday Night Football clash on New Year’s Eve (8:15 p.m. on Prime Video).
Bengals Troll Ravens for Failed Maxx Crosby Trade in Schedule Release Video
The Bengals and the rest of the AFC North teams likely celebrated when the trade between the Ravens and the Raiders fell through, but Cincinnati will still have its work cut out for it going up against Baltimore.
NFL schedule: Joe Burrow’s complaints may have resulted in Bengals hosting Ravens for prime-time game
Perhaps fans should have seen the change coming. When asked about Burrow’s criticism last May, NFL vice president of broadcast planning and scheduling Mike North said Burrow made a “fair” point and the league would likely “have to adjust at some point,” per the Bengals’ website.
Mahomes vs Burrow among Bengals home games in 2026
The Bengals have eight home games this season and perhaps the most anticipated of those will be in Week 14. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs come to Paycor Stadium for another showdown with Bengals and Joe Burrow. The Bengals and Chiefs game on Dec. 13 is set for 4:25 p.m. kickoff.
Bengals start season at Paycor vs Buccaneers, per report
The Bengals will open the 2026-27 season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The NFL insider also reports the Bengals will host the Baltimore Ravens on New Year’s Eve for Thursday Night Football in Week 17. Earlier this week, the NFL announced the Bengals will travel to Madrid to play the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 8. The entire 2026-27 league schedule will be released Thursday at 8 p.m.
