AFC North · Season Predictions
Cincinnati Bengals 2026 Predictions
Where we have them finishing
- Nick: 8-9
- Nico: 9-8
- Brooklyn: 11-6
Why
The Bengals went into the off season knowing defense was their weakness last season, and went out and traded for Dexter Lawrence. while also signing Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe. The real question for this team is the health of Joe Burrow, and he if can be able to play a full season since making the Superbowl almost 4 seasons ago
— Nick, 8-9
The Zach Taylor Bengals have missed the playoffs for consecutive seasons, and it will come down to how many hits Joe Burrow takes. The O-Line still does not impress me, and while Dexter Lawrence is a legit addition, how much better does a bottom three defense get with one add?
— Nico, 9-8
The Bengals’ defense was abysmal last year, allowing 28.9 PPG (30th), and they didn’t do enough this offseason to make me confident in a major turnaround. Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins give them plenty of offensive firepower, but the overall roster left a lot to be desired. Their ceiling feels low, but the schedule gives them enough opportunities to surprise, so I have them at 11-6.
— Brooklyn, 11-6
The 2026 schedule
- Week 1 — vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Week 2 — at Houston Texans
- Week 3 — at Pittsburgh Steelers
- Week 4 — vs Jacksonville Jaguars
- Week 5 — at Miami Dolphins
- Week 7 — at Baltimore Ravens
- Week 8 — vs Tennessee Titans
- Week 9 — at Atlanta Falcons
- Week 10 — vs Pittsburgh Steelers
- Week 11 — at Washington Commanders
- Week 12 — vs New Orleans Saints
- Week 13 — at Cleveland Browns
- Week 14 — vs Kansas City Chiefs
- Week 15 — at Carolina Panthers
- Week 16 — at Indianapolis Colts
- Week 17 — vs Baltimore Ravens
- Week 18 — vs Cleveland Browns