You woke up, grabbed your coffee, and started scrolling for the channel. It’s a habit. If it’s January and you’re in Cincinnati, you expect to see Joe Burrow’s face plastered across every pre-game show on CBS or FOX. But if you’re looking for the bengals game today on tv, I’ve got some news that might sting a little: there isn't one.
The Bengals are officially in "next year" mode.
After a 2025 season that felt like a rollercoaster with the safety bar half-unlatched, Cincinnati finished with a 6-11 record. That means while the NFL Divisional Round is heating up this weekend with the Texans, Patriots, Bills, and Broncos, the guys at Paycor Stadium are busy cleaning out lockers and looking at draft boards. Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for a fanbase that got used to deep playoff runs, but the reality is the Bengals missed the cut this time around.
The 2025 Reality Check
Why aren't they playing? Basically, the math didn't add up. Despite Joe Burrow maintaining a career completion percentage of 68.5%—which is literally the highest in NFL history—the team struggled to stay consistent. They finished third in the AFC North, trailing behind the division-winning Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens.
It wasn't all bad, though. Ja'Marr Chase is still a human highlight reel. He's currently sitting at 54 career touchdowns, just 13 shy of breaking Chad Johnson’s franchise record. We also saw Chase Brown emerge as a legitimate RB1, racking up over 1,000 rushing yards. But the defense? That was a different story. They gave up over 22 points per game on average, and in a division as brutal as the AFC North, that’s a death sentence.
Looking for the Bengals Game Today on TV? Here is the 2026 Outlook
Since there’s no game today, the real question is when you can see them back on your screen. The NFL has already confirmed the 2026 opponents, and the schedule looks like a gauntlet. If you’re planning your Sundays for next fall, here’s what we know about the home and away matchups.
Who is coming to Cincinnati in 2026?
Expect some heavy hitters at Paycor Stadium next season. The Bengals will host:
- The AFC North Rivals: Ravens, Browns, and Steelers (as always).
- The Powerhouses: Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are coming to town.
- The Rising Stars: Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars, plus the Tennessee Titans.
- The NFC South: New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Where are the Bengals going?
The road schedule is just as tough. They’ll be traveling to face the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts. They also have a cross-conference trip to play the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers. Plus, there’s a specific "17th game" matchup against the Washington Commanders that was recently locked in because of how the standings shook out.
What to Watch Instead
If you’re still craving football today, you don’t have to stare at a blank screen. The NFL playoffs are in full swing. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, you’ve got the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Later that night, the 49ers face the Seahawks on FOX.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, features the Houston Texans at the New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN). That Patriots turnaround is actually insane—they went from 4-13 last year to 14-3 this year. It’s the kind of jump Bengals fans are hoping to see Burrow and Zac Taylor pull off in 2026.
👉 See also: JJ Roberts NFL Draft: Why This Marshall Sleeper Is The 2026 Comeback To Watch
Actionable Steps for Bengals Fans
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can actually prep for the return of Bengals football:
- Track the Draft Order: The Bengals are currently slated for the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Keep an eye on prospects like edge rushers or offensive line depth.
- Monitor Free Agency: Key players like Trey Hendrickson and Geno Stone have uncertain futures heading into the 2026 cycle. Check the team's official transaction wire in February and March.
- Check Local Broadcasts: While there is no bengals game today on tv, local Cincinnati affiliates like WXIX-FOX19 and WKRC-CBS frequently air "Season in Review" specials during the playoffs that feature exclusive player interviews.
The drought is real, but the 2026 schedule is already promising some massive matchups at the Jungle. For now, keep the jersey in the closet and enjoy the playoff games as a neutral observer.