Bengals 2026 Schedule Release: Game-by-game predictions for Cincinnati’s 17-game slate includes surprise triumphs and letdowns
The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2026 regular season schedule is out, so it’s time to predict how they will fare against 17-game slate.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2026 regular season schedule has been released, and it’s glorious.
Three primetime games, an international trip, and back-to-back AFC North clashes will close the 17-game slate out.
It’s only May and an infinite number of things can and will happen between now and Week 1. That’s not going to stop us from predicting Cincinnati’s final record and the result of each game.
Predicting how many games the Bengals win after the 2026 schedule release
Week 1: Bengals vs. Buccaneers
Bengals lose 21-17: This is actually the only game that has a points spread. The Bengals are 2.5-point favorites in a game that won’t be played for just under four months. This will be close, especially if the good version of Baker Mayfield shows up.
Record after Week 1: 0-1
Week 2: Bengals at Texans
Bengals win 21-13: Pressure is on after an 0-1 start. Houston’s defense is phenomenal on paper, but C.J. Stroud has much to prove after his terrible playoff performance. I think the Bengals will be road underdogs and do their usual thing of subverting expectations.
Record after Week 2: 1-1
Week 3: Bengals at Steelers
Bengals win 16-10: Is it Aaron Rodgers or Will Howard? Maybe even Drew Allar? Not sure if it matters. Cincinnati has won its last three games in Pittsburgh with Joe Burrow under center. The Steelers will always be competitive, but they get back over .500.
Record after Week 3: 2-1
Week 4: Bengals vs. Jaguars
Bengals lose 34-30: Liam Coen can certainly call a game, and Trevor Lawrence can get hot every now and then. I expect points, and a coin-flip outcome.
Record after Week 4: 2-2
Week 5: Bengals at Dolphins
Bengals win 38-22: The Dolphins look miserable on paper. They could surprise in the first couple of weeks, but Cincy should take care of business heading into the bye week.
Record after Week 5: 3-2
Week 6: BYE
Nobody loses. Injuries get more time to heal.
Record after Week 6: 3-2
Week 7: Bengals at Ravens
Bengals lose 20-31: It’s a Sunday afternoon game instead of a Thursday night game, but the Ravens will be looking for revenge after getting blown out by the Bengals on Thanksgiving last year. I don’t expect Cincinnati to sweep Baltimore.
Record after Week 7: 3-3
Week 8: Bengals vs. Titans
Bengals win 26-20: Cam Ward could be alright with Carnell Tate. Robert Saleh should stabilize Tennessee’s defense to an extent. This should still be a win for the home team unless the international travel creates a trap game.
Record after Week 8: 4-3
Week 9: Bengals at Falcons
Bengals win 38-26: This feels like shootout potential. Kevin Stefanski will adore having Bijan Robinson at his disposal, but the Bengals should have little issue putting up points against this defense. Madrid should get some points to enjoy.
Record after Week 9: 5-3
Week 10: Bengals vs. Steelers
Bengals lose 23-19: Last year’s primetime hosting of the Steelers ended well with Joe Flacco slingin’ it around the yard. I just don’t love the idea of coming back from Europe without a bye and having to play a divisional game. Feels like a letdown in the making.
Record after Week 10: 5-4
Week 11: Bengals at Commanders
Bengals win 41-24: There will be vitriol to take after losing to Pittsburgh at home. An extra day’s rest before facing a defense with plenty of questions? Incoming pissed-off Burrow and Co.
Record after Week 11: 6-4
Week 12: Bengals vs. Saints
Bengals win 28-14: The reason I think this will be a comfortable win is because I expect the Saints to be quite competitive this year. It’s the bad teams I typically worry about the Bengals falling to before December.
Record after Week 12: 7-4
Week 13: Bengals at Browns
Bengals lose 20-17: Case and point. Playing in Cleveland when it’s cold out is brutal. The Browns still have a talented defense that gives Cincy fits. Ugly loss before a huge game.
Record after Week 13: 7-5
Week 14: Bengals vs. Chiefs
Bengals win 27-24: Always expect the response; especially in the last month of the year. The Bengals fare well against Kansas City when they’re the ones hosting. A three-point fits the recent history.
Record after Week 14: 8-5
Week 15: Bengals at Panthers
Bengals win 26-21: Carolina quietly made it to the playoffs last year and has a decent roster with an underrated head coach in Dave Canales. The Panthers shouldn’t be a cake walk this year, but the big cats with stripes should still prevail.
Record after Week 15: 9-5
Week 16: Bengals at Colts
Bengals lose 23-20: Lou Anarumo’s first game coaching against the Bengals is coming quite late in the season. He won’t shut them out by any means, but a frustrating game is very much on the table, especially with a huge Thursday-nighter on tap.
Record after Week 1: 9-6
Week 17: Bengals vs. Ravens
Bengals win 37-33: Potential game of the year vibes. New Year’s Eve, the division should be up for grabs, and Cincinnati can finally give Baltimore a primetime welcome.
Record after Week 1: 10-6
Week 18: Bengals vs. Browns
Bengals win 20-12: Will Cleveland be full-blown tanking at this point? Perhaps, but the Bengals may not have seeding to play for if they’ve already wrapped up the division as well.
Record after Week 1: 11-6
Final outlook
An inverse of last year’s record! The path to 11-6 looks easy on paper, but as seen above, there will inevitably be hiccups along the way.
Cincinnati’s success will hinge on getting out of October with a respectable record, and finishing strong like it usually does. We’ll see if the actual 2026 season is as exciting as this!