Which Weeks Are Cincinnati Bengals Most Likely to Play AFC North Games? The NFL has been gradually releasing matchup details ahead of the full schedule announcement, but none of the early updates have included the Cincinnati Bengals. Fans are turning to historical data to predict the team’s likely schedule for AFC North opponents. A major focus this season is determining how many division games the Bengals will face early in the season, as the Browns, Ravens, and Steelers adjust to new coaching staffs. A strong possibility exists that one of these matchups will occur in the season opener, which is expected to take place at Paycor Stadium. The Bengals have consistently closed their seasons with a divisional game, ending 16 consecutive years with such a matchup. The only exception was 2009, when they faced the Jets instead of a divisional opponent before meeting them again in the Wild Card playoff game. Week 1 is not the most frequent week for divisional games, though it has occurred 10 times in the 24 seasons since the AFC North was formed. While the Bengals have only played divisional openers three times in Zac Taylor’s seven seasons, all three instances have occurred in the last four openers (2025 at Cleveland, 2023 at Cleveland, and 2022 vs. Pittsburgh). However, Week 1 is not the second-most common week for division games. Week 12 stands out as the most likely week for an AFC North matchup, with 13 instances in the past 24 seasons. Six of these occurred in the last nine seasons, including the 2024 season when the Bengals had a bye week. The last nine Week 12 opponents include a mix of divisional teams, with the Steelers and Ravens often appearing in this slot. Week 13 follows closely behind with 12 instances, though it has become a less consistent trend.#cincinnati_reds #cincinnati_bengals #zac_taylor #paycor_stadium #afc_north
Cincinnati Bengals 2026 NFL Schedule Release Details The Cincinnati Bengals will officially learn their 2026 regular season schedule on Thursday, May 14, when the NFL releases its full calendar. The release is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern Time on NFL Network, providing fans with a comprehensive breakdown of the team’s matchups for the upcoming season. The Bengals are set to play 17 games, with eight home contests at Paycor Stadium and nine road games against a mix of divisional and non-divisional opponents. One of the most anticipated matchups for the Bengals is their International Series game against the Atlanta Falcons on November 8 at the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid. This will mark the second time the Bengals have played in Europe, following their 2022 game in London. The Bengals hold a 10-7 overall record against the Falcons, including a decisive 35-17 victory in 2022. The Madrid game is expected to draw significant attention due to its unique location and the potential for high-profile international broadcasting. The Bengals’ 2026 schedule includes several key road games, with the team set to face the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Washington Commanders away from home. At Paycor Stadium, the Bengals will host the Ravens, Browns, Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rumors surrounding the Bengals’ schedule have already sparked interest, with reports suggesting the team will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 on September 27 at Acrisure Stadium. This matchup is part of the Bengals’ early-season slate, which includes several high-stakes games against division rivals and playoff contenders.#nfl_network #atlanta_falcons #cincinnati_bengals #paycor_stadium #bernabeu_stadium
