The Cincinnati Bengals came into the 2025 season with their usual hopes for a strong offense behind the passing game of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. The expectations for the defense weren’t quite as high. Unfortunately, Burrow suffered a turf toe injury in Week 2 that kept him out until Week 13. Burrow’s injury was too much for the Bengals to overcome, especially with their bottom of the barrel defense.
Cincinnati Bengals opponents 2026: Who’s on the schedule, how easy or hard will their schedule be
The Bengals missed the playoffs in 2025. We already know their 2026 opponents and we’ll take an early look at the slate.
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We did get to see old man Joe Flacco start for yet another AFC North team, as he helped provide a semblance of offense with Burrow out. Flacco helped Ja’Marr Chase to another huge season and kept running back Chase Brown from what was looking like a bad year for the first time starter.
Burrow has now missed significant time to injuries in three of his six seasons in the NFL. There is some scuttlebutt surrounding his commitment to the Bengals, which could pop up in rumors this offseason, but I’d expect the Bengals to not give him a chance to leave, but that won’t stop the rumor mill.
Cincinnati Bengals list of opponents
Home opponents
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cleveland Browns
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Kansas City Chiefs
Road opponents
- Atlanta Falcons
- Baltimore Ravens
- Carolina Panthers
- Cleveland Browns
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Miami Dolphins
- Washington Commanders
Cincinnati Bengals schedule analysis
The Bengals will have eight home games and nine road games next season pending the announcement of the matchups for the 2026 international games. The AFC North gets to face the NFC South next season, which is always nice. They were the worst division in the NFC this season and they aren’t exactly poised for a big turnaround anytime soon. They also face the AFC South, which did take an unexpected turn for the better this year, as the Jaguars and Texans both put together double-digit wins and the Colts looked great for the first half of the season.
The Bengals also get to face a weakened AFC North, as the Ravens, Steelers, and Browns all have shown they aren’t exactly ready for prime time this season. The North looks like it will be wide open again next year and the Bengals could very well be in the running if Burrow can stay on the field.
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