The Bengals missed the playoffs in 2025. We already know their 2026 opponents and we’ll take an early look at the slate.

The Bengals wrapped up third-place spot in the AFC North. As per league rules, they’ll play each divisional opponent twice, plus four games against a specific division in their conference and four games against a division in the opposite conference. This means the Bengals play the AFC South and NFC South in 2026.

Which cities get to watch the game on TV? What uniforms will the Browns wear? And a little bit of history between the two teams.

According to NFL Nerd, an X account that does advanced NFL schedule analytics, the Bengals have the third-easiest strength of schedule based on opponents’ 2025 records with a collective winning percentage of .450. The only teams with easier schedules based solely on 2025 records are the Saints (.434) and the Browns (.429).

The Cincinnati Bengals are bouncing back thanks to quarterback Joe Burrow's return. Here's how they can get back into the playoff picture.

The Cincinnati Bengals ' opponents for the 2026 NFL regular season are set, with the team's third-place finish in the AFC North this season.

NFC South opponents will make the trip to Cincinnati when the Baker Mayfield-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints come north. Mayfield has found a bit of a career rebirth in Tampa, while New Orleans is excited about their new young quarterback, Tyler Shough.

Learn which TV channel or how to live stream the NFL Week 18 Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns game, Sunday, Jan. 4.

The Cincinnati Bengals' opponents for the 2026 season have now been set.Next year, the Bengals are set to play the Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home at Paycor Stadium,