If you’re waking up on this Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and scrolling through your apps to see do bengals play today, I have some news that might sting a little. No. They aren't on the field. In fact, the Cincinnati Bengals won’t be playing any more football until the preseason kicks off later this summer.
It feels weird, right? Usually, mid-January is when the "Who Dey" chants are at their loudest. But the 2025-2026 campaign didn't exactly go to script for Joe Burrow and company. While teams like the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills are currently prepping for the Divisional Round this coming weekend, the Bengals are already deep into "exit interview" mode at Paycor Stadium.
The Short Answer: Do Bengals Play Today?
Basically, no. The Bengals are not playing today because their season ended on January 4, 2026.
They finished the regular season with a 6-11 record. That placed them third in the AFC North, ahead of only the Cleveland Browns. Because they didn't qualify for the postseason, they weren't part of the Wild Card action that just wrapped up on Monday night.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer. After years of being a "lock" for deep playoff runs, seeing the Bengals sidelined while the divisional rivals—the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens—battled for positioning is a tough pill for fans in the Queen City to swallow.
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What Happened in the Season Finale?
The last time we saw this team in action was Sunday, January 4. It was a heartbreaker against the Cleveland Browns.
You've probably heard about the record-breaking sack by Myles Garrett, but the game itself was a chaotic mess. Joe Burrow threw for 236 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but it wasn't enough. The Browns took it 20-18 on a walk-off field goal by Andre Szmyt.
Key Stats from the Final Game
- Joe Burrow: 29/39, 236 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT.
- Ja'Marr Chase: 8 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD.
- Chase Brown: 72 rushing yards (surpassing 1,000 for the season).
- The Kicking Disaster: Evan McPherson, usually the "Money" man, actually missed two extra points. In a two-point loss, that hurts.
That loss officially locked the Bengals into the No. 9 overall pick for the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents Are Set
Since the Bengals aren't playing today, the front office is already looking at who they will play when the 2026 season starts in September. The NFL uses a specific formula to determine opponents, and because Cincinnati finished third in the division, their 2026 schedule is actually quite interesting.
They’ll be facing the AFC South and the NFC South next year. This means we’re going to see some fresh faces in Cincinnati.
Who Is Coming to Paycor Stadium in 2026?
The home schedule looks pretty decent. Aside from the usual AFC North slugfests with Baltimore, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh, the Bengals will host:
- Kansas City Chiefs: This is the big one. Because both teams finished third in their respective divisions, we get another chapter of the Burrow vs. Mahomes rivalry.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence comes to town.
- Tennessee Titans: A physical matchup that usually tests the Bengals' defensive front.
- New Orleans Saints: A bit of an "interconference" treat.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Expect a lot of orange in the stands for this one.
2026 Road Trips
Pack your bags if you're a traveling fan. The Bengals will be heading to:
- Houston Texans: CJ Stroud vs. Burrow is always must-watch TV.
- Indianapolis Colts: A short drive for many fans.
- Washington Commanders: This is the "17th game" opponent based on the standings.
- Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.
Why Today Matters for the Bengals (Even Without a Game)
While the answer to "do bengals play today" is a hard no, today—January 14—is actually a significant date on the NFL calendar.
It is the deadline for college underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft. For a team sitting at the No. 9 spot, this is huge. Head coach Zac Taylor and the scouting department are likely glued to their phones right now, seeing which star offensive linemen or defensive ends are officially turning pro.
With the 9th pick, the Bengals are in a prime position to snag a blue-chip talent. Whether they look to protect Burrow or find a dominant pass rusher to complement Trey Hendrickson, today’s declarations will shape the franchise's strategy for the next five years.
When Will the 2026 Schedule Come Out?
If you’re already trying to plan your fall around Bengals football, you’ll have to wait a bit longer for specific dates.
The NFL typically releases the official schedule with times and TV networks in mid-May. Until then, we just know the "who" and the "where," but not the "when." We do know the season will officially kick off on September 10, 2026.
Actionable Steps for Bengals Fans Right Now
Since there's no game to watch today, here is how you can stay plugged in during the offseason:
- Track the Draft Declarations: Keep an eye on the news today. The list of underclassmen entering the draft will determine who is available for Cincinnati at the 9th pick.
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: There are always rumors about coordinators moving on. Watch for any changes in the Bengals' defensive or offensive staff in the coming weeks.
- Check the Salary Cap: The Bengals have some big decisions to make regarding free agents. Look into their projected cap space to see if they can afford to keep key pieces of the roster together.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Even though the Bengals are out, watching the Ravens or Steelers this weekend gives you a good look at the competition Cincinnati has to leapfrog next year.
The 2025 season might be over, but the work for 2026 started the second that field goal went through the uprights in the finale.