Cincinnati Bengals have third-easiest schedule in NFL for 2026-27

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrates their victory over the Baltimore Ravens Nov. 27, 2025 on Thanksgiving. The Bengals prevailed 33-14.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter released the strength of schedule numbers for teams on Tuesday, May 12. The Cincinnati Bengals are set to have the third-easiest schedule of 2026. Last year's schedule was No. 14 out of 32 teams with the Bengals finishing 6-11.

Cincinnati Bengals 2026 strength of schedule ranked No. 30 of 32 teams

Cincinnati Bengals 2026-27 opponents had a .450 winning percentage in 2025-26. By comparison, in the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers' opponents had a winning percentage of .495, the Baltimore Ravens' foes had a winning percentage of .479, and the Cleveland Browns have the easiest schedule in the NFL, facing a list of opponents with a winning percentage of .429.

The top five toughest schedules belong to the Bears (.550), Dolphins (.542), Cardinals (.538), Packers (.538) and Chiefs (.536). Of that group, the Bengals face the Dolphins and Chiefs in the upcoming season.

Sharp Football Analysis agrees, also rating Cincinnati Bengals' schedule as third easiest

Sharp Football Analysis has rated the 2026 NFL schedule based on Las Vegas forecasted win totals. Sharp also rates the Bengals with the No. 3-easiest schedule behind the Detroit Lions (first) and New Orleans Saints.

Sharp rates the Arizona Cardinals as having the toughest schedule, followed by the Dolphins, Panthers, Cowboys and Rams.

A look at the AFC North: Sharp projects the Bengals to have 9.5 wins, the Ravens 11.5, the Steelers 8.5 and the Browns 6.5.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bengals strength of schedule for 2026-27 easy based on NFL numbers