The 2026 Bengals Schedule: A Deep Dive into a Potential Season
As a sports enthusiast, I find mock schedules to be a fascinating exercise in speculation. They allow us to imagine the possibilities and potential storylines for the upcoming season. So, when I was tasked with creating a mock schedule for the 2026 Cincinnati Bengals, I dove into the details with enthusiasm. Here's what I came up with, along with my personal insights and commentary.
Week 1: @ Houston Texans (Monday Night Football)
This opening matchup is a classic strength-against-strength battle. Joe Burrow vs. C.J. Stroud is a quarterback showdown, while Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins go up against the Texans' secondary. The Bengals' offensive line, which has been a cornerstone of Joe Burrow's success, faces off against Houston's formidable defensive line. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring, high-energy affair, especially considering the historical rivalry between the two teams. Houston's recent success against the Bengals in 2023 adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Week 2: vs. Baltimore Ravens (Sunday Night Football)
The subplot here is Trey Hendrickson's return to Cincinnati. This game promises to be an early-season heavyweight bout, with the winner gaining early control in the AFC North. The battle between Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson is a quarterback clash that will have fans on the edge of their seats. Sunday Night Football on NBC sets the stage for a highly anticipated game, and the narrative of Hendrickson's return adds an extra layer of emotion.
Week 3: @ Pittsburgh Steelers (1:00 on CBS)
The Bengals have a history of success against the Steelers in Week 3, and this game could be another physical battle. Joe Burrow's confidence should be high after winning three straight starts in Pittsburgh. However, the back-to-back AFC North games early in the season, followed by a road division game, could be a challenge. Pittsburgh may not be a top contender, but they are a formidable opponent, and the Bengals must be prepared for a tough fight.
Week 4: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Thursday Night Football)
The Jaguars hold a special place in Bengals history. In 2020, they marked Joe Burrow's first career win, and in 2021, they were the site of the Bengals' inaugural Ring of Honor induction. This game has the potential to be a prime-time showcase for both Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence, both of whom are looking to make their mark this season. The Jaguars' significance in Bengals history adds an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup.
Week 5: @ Washington Commanders (London)
Another team with a significant place in Bengals history, the Commanders, pose a challenge. I hope this time in London, the game doesn't end in a tie. The short distance between the Bengals and Commanders adds an interesting dynamic to this matchup, and the international setting could make for a unique and unpredictable game.
Week 6: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1:00 on FOX)
I've mocked a home game against the Buccaneers, pitting Joe Burrow against Baker Mayfield. The two quarterbacks have a history of slugfests when Mayfield was with the Browns, and this game could be another memorable showdown. The Bengals' schedule avoids long road trips in the U.S., so they could have a home game or a short road trip after returning from London. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring, high-stakes affair.
Week 7: @ Indianapolis Colts (1:00 on CBS)
The shortest distance between the Bengals and Colts adds an interesting dynamic to this game. It will be the first time the Bengals face their former defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, and the Colts' defense has several former Bengals players. This game could be a strategic battle, with both teams looking to gain an edge over their former colleagues.
Week 8: BYE
Week 9: @ Baltimore Ravens (4:25 on CBS)
I implore the schedule-makers to avoid scheduling the Bengals for a Thursday night game in Baltimore. A 4:25 game on CBS on a Sunday would be ideal, and the second Sunday in November could be a perfect time for this matchup. The Skyline Chili-filled atmosphere in Cincinnati would be a great backdrop for this game, and the narrative of Hendrickson's return adds an extra layer of emotion.
Week 10: vs. Tennessee Titans (1:00 on FOX)
The Titans have been a staple of the Bengals' schedule in the Joe Burrow era, and this game could be another memorable one. The AFC Divisional game in 2021, the Ted Karras International Peace sign incident in 2022, and the Sam Hubbard touchdown in 2024 all add to the rich history of this rivalry. The Titans may not be contenders, but they are a tough opponent, and the Bengals must be prepared for a challenging game.
Week 11: @ Atlanta Falcons (1:00 on CBS)
Joe Burrow's history against the Falcons is impressive. In the CFP Semifinals against Oklahoma in Atlanta, he threw for seven touchdowns in the first half. His only start against the Falcons in 2022 saw him throw for 481 yards. This game has the potential to be another high-scoring, high-energy affair, with fireworks expected.
Week 12: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Black Friday, 3:00 on Prime Video)
A Steelers-Bengals game on Black Friday would be a dream come true for fans. This rivalry deserves a prime-time showcase, and Black Friday provides the perfect setting. The physicality and intensity of this game would be a sight to behold, and the Bengals would be looking to make a statement against their AFC North rivals.
Week 13: @ Cleveland Browns (1:00 on CBS)
Road trips to Cleveland are never fun, especially in December. The Bengals must handle their business and get out of Cleveland with a win. The Browns are a tough opponent, and the Bengals will need to be prepared for a challenging game. A win in Cleveland would be a significant boost to their morale and would set the tone for the rest of the season.
Week 14: @ Miami Dolphins (1:00 on FOX)
A second straight season with a road trip to Miami in December. Joe Burrow's performance against the Dolphins last season was impressive, and he should do so again this season. The Dolphins are not a contender, but the Bengals must be prepared for a tough game. A win in Miami would be a significant achievement and would set the tone for the rest of the season.
Week 15: vs. New Orleans Saints (1:00 on FOX)
The Saints are an intriguing team going into the season. Tyler Shough may be the answer at quarterback, and they have some nice pieces around him. The question is whether they can compete with the Bengals' offense in the cold. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring, high-stakes affair, with the Bengals looking to make a statement against a potential playoff contender.
Week 16: vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Christmas Night on FOX)
This is about as good as it gets. Christmas night in the Jungle against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, with Tom Brady on the call for FOX. This game would be a dream come true for fans, and the Bengals would be looking to make a statement against one of the NFL's top teams. The narrative of the Bengals hosting the Chiefs on Christmas night adds an extra layer of emotion.
Week 17: @ Carolina Panthers (TBD)
Joe Burrow has not faced Bryce Young yet, so this matchup is intriguing. The short distance between the Bengals and Panthers adds an interesting dynamic to this game, and the international setting could make for a unique and unpredictable game. The Bengals will be looking to make a statement against a team that could be a dark horse contender.
Week 18: vs. Cleveland Browns (TBD)
Just please don't lose to the Browns at home again. The Bengals must handle their business and get out of Cleveland with a win. The Browns are a tough opponent, and the Bengals will need to be prepared for a challenging game. A win in Cleveland would be a significant achievement and would set the tone for the rest of the season.
In conclusion, the 2026 Bengals schedule is filled with intriguing matchups and potential storylines. From the strength-against-strength battles in Week 1 to the high-stakes games in Week 16, this schedule promises to be an exciting ride for fans. As an expert commentator, I can't wait to see how the season unfolds and how the Bengals perform against these challenging opponents.
