The Bengals' 2026 Schedule: A Mock Preview and Personal Take
As an avid NFL fan and a self-proclaimed schedule enthusiast, I was thrilled to dive into the 2026 Cincinnati Bengals' mock schedule. With the NFL schedule release just around the corner, it's time to get hyped for another exciting season. So, let's take a look at what the future holds for the Bengals, with a healthy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
Week 1: @ Houston Texans (Monday Night Football)
The season opener against the Houston Texans sets the tone for the Bengals' 2026 campaign. This game is a classic strength-against-strength matchup. Joe Burrow, the Bengals' star quarterback, will go head-to-head with C.J. Stroud, the Texans' rising star. Meanwhile, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will battle the Texans' secondary, and the Bengals' offensive line, one of the best in the league, will face off against Houston's formidable defensive line. The Texans have been a persistent thorn in the Bengals' side, and their Week 10 win in 2023 led to Burrow's wrist injury. This game promises to be a thrilling showdown, and I can't wait to see how the Bengals respond.
Week 2: vs. Baltimore Ravens (Sunday Night Football)
The second week brings a highly anticipated Sunday Night Football matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. This game is not just about Joe Burrow vs. Lamar Jackson; it's a heavyweight fight for early control of the AFC North. Trey Hendrickson's return to Cincinnati adds an extra layer of intrigue. The Bengals will be looking to make a statement, and this game could set the tone for the rest of the season. I predict a hard-fought battle, with the Bengals' offense and defense both stepping up to the challenge.
Week 3: @ Pittsburgh Steelers (1:00 on CBS)
The Bengals' Week 3 trip to Pittsburgh is a classic AFC North showdown. The Bengals have won their last two meetings in Pittsburgh, and Joe Burrow has been on a roll against the Steelers. However, this game is never easy, and the Bengals will need to be prepared for a physical battle. The Steelers might not be the force they once were, but they still have the potential to give the Bengals a run for their money. I'm expecting a close game, with the Bengals' confidence and recent success in Pittsburgh giving them the edge.
Week 4: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Thursday Night Football)
The Jaguars hold a special place in Bengals history, and Week 4 of the 2026 season could be another memorable one. The Bengals' first win for Joe Burrow came against the Jaguars, and they also inducted their Ring of Honor class in a Thursday Night Football game against Jacksonville. This season, with both teams having high aspirations, the stage is set for another prime-time showdown. I'm particularly interested in seeing how Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence fare against each other, both with something to prove.
Week 5: @ Washington Commanders (London)
The international trip to London for Week 5 brings a unique challenge. The Commanders have a history of giving the Bengals trouble, and I hope this time is no different. The short distance between the Bengals and Commanders adds an extra layer of intrigue, and I'm curious to see how the teams adapt to the European environment. Let's just hope we don't end up with another tie, like the last time they met in London.
Week 6: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1:00 on FOX)
The Bengals' bye week is scheduled for Week 6, which is a relief. I'm glad they avoided a long road trip early in the season. This week, I'm predicting a home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a matchup between Joe Burrow and Baker Mayfield. These two quarterbacks have a history of producing slugfests, and I expect another thrilling encounter. The Bengals' offense will be looking to dominate, and the defense will need to step up to contain the Buccaneers' high-powered attack.
Week 7: @ Indianapolis Colts (1:00 on CBS)
The Bengals' Week 7 trip to Indianapolis is a unique one. The distance between the two teams is the shortest in the NFL, and this will be the first time the Bengals face their former defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo. The Colts' defense also boasts several former Bengals players. This game will be a test of the Bengals' resilience and adaptability. I'm expecting a close battle, with the Bengals' offense looking to gain an edge over the Colts' defense.
Week 8: BYE
The Bengals' bye week in Week 8 is a welcome break. It allows the team to rest and regroup, and I'm sure they'll come back stronger. This is a time for the Bengals to focus on their strategy and prepare for the second half of the season.
Week 9: @ Baltimore Ravens (4:25 on CBS)
The second Sunday in November brings another intriguing matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. This time, the Bengals will be looking to avoid a Thursday night game in Baltimore, which would be a welcome change. A 4:25 game on CBS is a perfect setup for a highly anticipated showdown. I'm expecting a close, hard-fought game, with the Bengals' offense and defense both stepping up to the challenge.
Week 10: vs. Tennessee Titans (1:00 on FOX)
The Titans have been a familiar foe for the Bengals in recent years, and Week 10 could be another memorable encounter. The AFC Divisional game in 2021, the International Peace sign incident in 2022, and the Sam Hubbard touchdown in 2024 all come to mind. This season, the Bengals can't afford to overlook the Titans, even though they're not contenders. I'm expecting a competitive game, with the Bengals' offense looking to gain an edge over the Titans' defense.
Week 11: @ Atlanta Falcons (1:00 on CBS)
Joe Burrow's last game in Atlanta was a memorable one, as he led LSU to the National Championship with seven touchdowns in the first half. His only start against the Falcons in 2022 was also impressive, with 481 passing yards. This Week 11 trip to Atlanta promises to be another fireworks display. The Bengals' offense will be looking to dominate, and the defense will need to step up to contain the Falcons' high-powered attack.
Week 12: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Black Friday, 3:00 on Prime Video)
Black Friday is the perfect setting for a Steelers-Bengals showdown. This rivalry deserves a prime-time game, and I'm thrilled to see it on the schedule. The Bengals will be looking to make a statement, and this game could be a turning point in their season. I'm expecting a hard-fought battle, with the Bengals' offense and defense both stepping up to the challenge.
Week 13: @ Cleveland Browns (1:00 on CBS)
Road trips to Cleveland are never easy, especially in December. The Bengals will need to handle their business and get out of Cleveland with a win. This game is a test of the Bengals' resilience and adaptability, and I'm expecting a close battle. The Browns are no pushovers, and the Bengals will need to bring their A-game to come out on top.
Week 14: @ Miami Dolphins (1:00 on FOX)
The Bengals' second straight road trip to Miami in December brings a unique challenge. Joe Burrow's performance against the Dolphins last season was impressive, with four touchdowns and 300 passing yards. This game is a test of the Bengals' offense against a Dolphins team that's not going anywhere this season. I'm expecting a dominant performance from the Bengals, with the offense looking to gain an edge over the Dolphins' defense.
Week 15: vs. New Orleans Saints (1:00 on FOX)
The Saints are an intriguing team going into the 2026 season. With Tyler Shough at quarterback and some nice pieces around him, they could be a dark horse contender. The question is, can they compete with the Bengals' offense in the cold? This game will be a test of the Bengals' adaptability and resilience. I'm expecting a close battle, with the Bengals' offense looking to gain an edge over the Saints' defense.
Week 16: vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Christmas Night on FOX)
Christmas night in the Jungle against the Kansas City Chiefs is a dream come true. The Bengals will be looking to make a statement against one of the league's best teams, with Tom Brady on the call for FOX. This game is a test of the Bengals' offense and defense against a Chiefs team that's always a force to be reckoned with. I'm expecting a thrilling showdown, with the Bengals' offense looking to dominate and the defense stepping up to the challenge.
Week 17: @ Carolina Panthers (TBD)
The Bengals' Week 17 trip to Carolina brings a unique challenge. Joe Burrow has not faced Bryce Young yet, and this game has the potential to be a stand-alone game. I'm curious to see how the Bengals adapt to the Panthers' defense, and I'm expecting a close battle. The Bengals will need to bring their A-game to come out on top.
Week 18: vs. Cleveland Browns (TBD)
The season finale against the Cleveland Browns is a must-win game for the Bengals. They can't afford to lose at home again, and this game is a test of their resilience and adaptability. I'm expecting a hard-fought battle, with the Bengals' offense and defense both stepping up to the challenge. The Bengals will need to bring their best performance of the season to come out on top.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Bengals schedule is packed with exciting matchups and challenges. From strength-against-strength battles to high-stakes rivalries, the Bengals will need to bring their A-game to come out on top. As a fan, I can't wait to see how the team adapts and responds to each game. This schedule is a true test of the Bengals' resilience and adaptability, and I'm excited to see how they fare. So, let's get ready for another thrilling NFL season and see what the Bengals have in store for us!
