The 2026 NFL season is just around the corner, and the Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for another exciting campaign. With a talented roster and a dynamic offense, the Bengals are poised to make a deep playoff run. Here's a mock schedule that takes into account the team's strengths and weaknesses, as well as some intriguing matchups that could shape the season.
Week 1: @ Houston Texans (Monday Night Football)
The season opener pits the Bengals against the Houston Texans, a team that has been a frequent hurdle for the Bengals in recent years. This game will feature a battle of young quarterbacks, with Joe Burrow facing off against C.J. Stroud. The Bengals' vaunted offensive line will go up against the Texans' formidable defensive line, creating a fascinating strength-against-strength matchup. The Bengals will be looking to avenge their loss to the Texans in Week 10 of the 2023 season, which also marked the start of Joe Burrow's wrist injury. This game promises to be a thrilling start to the season.
Week 2: vs. Baltimore Ravens (Sunday Night Football)
In a highly anticipated AFC North showdown, the Bengals host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. The subplot here is the return of Trey Hendrickson to Cincinnati, who left the Bengals in free agency to join the Ravens. This game will be a true test of the Bengals' mettle, as they face a formidable opponent in the Ravens, led by the dynamic Lamar Jackson. The winner of this game will gain early control of the division, making it a must-win for the Bengals.
Week 3: @ Pittsburgh Steelers (1:00 p.m. on CBS)
The Bengals travel to Pittsburgh for a pivotal AFC North clash. The Steelers, while not a top contender, are a physical team that can cause problems for any opponent. Joe Burrow has had success in Pittsburgh, winning three straight starts, but the Bengals will need to be prepared for a tough, physical game. This is a game that could set the tone for the rest of the season in the division.
Week 4: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Thursday Night Football)
The Jaguars hold a special place in Bengals history, and this week's game will be no different. In 2020, the Bengals won their first game with Joe Burrow, and in 2022, they inducted their Ring of Honor class on a Thursday Night Football win. This game will be a prime-time showcase for both Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence, both of whom are looking to make their mark in the league. The Jaguars will be a challenging opponent, but the Bengals will be eager to continue their recent success against them.
Week 5: @ Washington Commanders (London)
The Bengals travel to London for a game against the Commanders, a team with a unique connection to Bengals history. The Commanders have not been kind to the Bengals in recent memory, and this game could be a tight affair. The Bengals will be hoping to avoid another tie, as they look to build momentum early in the season.
Week 6: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1:00 p.m. on FOX)
After a trip to London, the Bengals return home for a showdown with the Buccaneers. This game will feature a battle of quarterbacks, with Joe Burrow going up against Baker Mayfield. The two quarterbacks have a history of producing slugfests when Mayfield was with the Browns, and this game could be another exciting installment in their rivalry.
Week 7: @ Indianapolis Colts (1:00 p.m. on CBS)
The Bengals travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts, a team with several former Bengals defensive players on their roster. This game will be a test of the Bengals' defense against a formidable Colts offense. The short distance between the two cities adds an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup.
Week 8: BYE
The Bengals get a well-deserved bye week to rest and recover after a challenging start to the season.
Week 9: @ Baltimore Ravens (4:25 p.m. on CBS)
The Bengals return to Baltimore for a crucial game against the Ravens. This time, the Bengals will be looking to avenge their Week 2 loss and gain control of the AFC North. The game will be a true test of the Bengals' resilience and determination.
Week 10: vs. Tennessee Titans (1:00 p.m. on FOX)
The Titans have been a regular fixture in the Bengals' schedule in recent years, and this game will be no different. The Bengals will need to be focused and disciplined to avoid an upset, as the Titans are capable of pulling off an upset.
Week 11: @ Atlanta Falcons (1:00 p.m. on CBS)
Joe Burrow's first game in Atlanta will be a highly anticipated affair. The Bengals' quarterback will be looking to avenge his loss to the Falcons in 2022, where he threw for 481 yards and seven touchdowns in the first half. This game could be a fireworks display, with both teams looking to make a statement.
Week 12: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Black Friday, 3:00 p.m. on Prime Video)
A Black Friday showdown between the Bengals and Steelers would be a dream come true for fans of the rivalry. This game will be a true test of the Bengals' ability to handle the pressure of a high-stakes game on a holiday weekend.
Week 13: @ Cleveland Browns (1:00 p.m. on CBS)
The Bengals travel to Cleveland for a game that could have playoff implications. The Browns are a tough team to beat on the road, especially in December. The Bengals will need to bring their A-game to secure a win and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Week 14: @ Miami Dolphins (1:00 p.m. on FOX)
The Bengals head to Miami for a game against a Dolphins team that is not expected to contend for a playoff spot. Joe Burrow will be looking to continue his success against the Dolphins, who he threw for four touchdowns and 300 yards against last season.
Week 15: vs. New Orleans Saints (1:00 p.m. on FOX)
The Saints are an intriguing team heading into the season, with Tyler Shough at quarterback and a talented supporting cast. The Bengals will need to be prepared for a cold-weather game, as they face the question of whether their offense can thrive in such conditions.
Week 16: vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Christmas Night on FOX)
One of the most exciting matchups of the season, the Bengals host the Chiefs on Christmas Night. With Tom Brady on the broadcast, this game will be a true test of the Bengals' ability to compete with one of the league's elite teams. The winner will gain significant momentum heading into the playoffs.
Week 17: @ Carolina Panthers (TBD)
The Bengals travel to Carolina to face the Panthers, who have not yet faced Joe Burrow. This game has the potential to be a stand-alone affair, with both teams looking to secure a playoff spot.
Week 18: vs. Cleveland Browns (TBD)
The season finale will be a crucial game for the Bengals, as they look to avenge their loss to the Browns earlier in the season. The Bengals will need to bring their best performance to secure a playoff berth and set the stage for a potential AFC North showdown in the wild card round.
This mock schedule sets up the Bengals for a challenging but exciting season. With a mix of favorable and difficult matchups, the Bengals will need to bring their best effort to contend for a playoff spot. The team's ability to handle the pressure and maintain consistency will be key to their success in 2026.
