It’s a bit of a bummer. If you’re checking your calendar and wondering when do the Cincinnati Bengals play next, you probably aren’t going to like the answer. After a rough 6–11 finish to the 2025 season, the Bengals are officially on vacation. Their final game was a tight 20–18 loss to the Cleveland Browns on January 4, 2026.
Since they didn't make the playoffs, the Bengals don’t have another scheduled game until the 2026 NFL Preseason, which usually kicks off in early August.
We’re basically in the "dark ages" of the NFL calendar for Cincy fans. No playoff bracket to obsess over. No "Who Dey" chants echoing through Paycor Stadium for a while. Honestly, it’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that has Joe Burrow under center. But that’s the reality of the AFC North—it’s a meat grinder, and this year, the Bengals got chewed up.
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The Long Wait for the 2026 Season
So, let's talk about that gap. Usually, the NFL releases the official schedule for the next season in mid-May. That’s when we’ll get the actual dates and times for the 2026 games. Until then, we only know who they are playing, not when.
The preseason is your first shot to see them back on the field. You've probably noticed that the NFL likes to start things off with the Hall of Fame game in late July, but the Bengals usually wait until the first full week of August to suit up.
Why the 2025 Season Ended Early
It wasn't just one thing. It was a mix of bad luck and missed opportunities.
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- The Defense: They struggled to stop the run and got gashed in the secondary.
- Division Woes: Going 1–1 against the Browns and splitting with the Steelers just isn't enough when you're also dropping games to the Bears and Jets.
- Burrow's Protection: While Joe stayed relatively healthy, the consistency of the offensive line was... let's call it "variable."
If you’re looking for a silver lining, the Bengals are heading into the 2026 offseason with a lot of "spending money." Projections show they have somewhere between $60 million and $77 million in cap space. That is a massive chunk of change.
Who the Bengals Play in 2026
Even though the "when" is still a mystery, the "who" is set in stone. Because the NFL uses a rotating formula based on division standings and conference cycles, we already know the 2026 dance card.
The Bengals finished third in the AFC North. This means they get a slightly "easier" schedule compared to the division-winning Steelers. They’ll be facing the AFC South and the NFC South this time around.
Home Opponents at Paycor Stadium
- Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers: The usual suspects.
- Kansas City Chiefs: This is the big one. Anytime Mahomes comes to town, it's a circus.
- Jacksonville Jaguars & Tennessee Titans: Two AFC South teams that have been rebuilding.
- New Orleans Saints & Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The NFC South visitors.
Road Games on the 2026 Schedule
- Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh: Expect lots of booing.
- Houston Texans & Indianapolis Colts: Road trips to the AFC South.
- Atlanta Falcons & Carolina Panthers: Trips down south to face the NFC.
- Miami Dolphins: A nice Florida getaway for the fans, but a tough game on the grass.
- Washington Commanders: This is the 17th "extra" game on the schedule for 2026.
What Needs to Happen Before Kickoff?
Since the answer to when do the Cincinnati Bengals play next is "not for seven months," the real action is happening in the front office. Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor have their work cut out for them.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be a turning point. Picking 10th overall gives them a chance to snag a true "game-changer." Most experts think they need to look at the defensive line. With Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai potentially heading elsewhere, the edge rush is looking a little thin.
There's also the free agency period in March. Keep an eye on names like Devin Lloyd (Jaguars) or Jaylinn Hawkins (Patriots). These are the kinds of players who could fix the holes in the Bengals' defense before the first preseason whistle blows in August.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Mark the Calendar for May: That's when the 2026 NFL Schedule officially drops. You'll finally get the dates and kickoff times.
- Watch the Scouting Combine (Late Feb): Since the Bengals pick 10th, pay close attention to the top-tier defensive tackles and edge rushers.
- Check Free Agency in March: This is where the Bengals can use that $70 million cap space to fix the roster.
- Renew Season Tickets: If you’re a die-hard, the renewal window usually opens well before the first game is played.
Basically, the "next game" is a long way off. But in the NFL, the season never really stops; it just moves from the field to the boardrooms. We'll be waiting for that August heat at Paycor Stadium.