NFL Schedule Release Reaction and News

TL;DR

The NFL has released the schedule for the 2026 season, featuring the Cincinnati Bengals with three primetime matchups. Fans can look forward to games against divisional rivals and a notable matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Key points

NFL released the 2026 season schedule
Cincinnati Bengals have three primetime matchups
Bengals open season against Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bengals host Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14
Joe Burrow's complaints may have influenced scheduling

Mentioned in this story

Joe Burrow

Cincinnati BengalsPittsburgh SteelersBaltimore RavensKansas City Chiefs

Newly signed Cincinnati Bengals defense tackle Dexter Lawrence speaks in a press conference for the first time since joining the team at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Monday, April 20, 2026. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Cincinnati Bengals and the rest of the NFL officially released the schedule for the 2026 football season. It almost feels like we are there. In reality we are still months away from these games actually being played. There is always plenty to get excited about as well as be frustrated about when the schedule first hits. It is easy to get excited about primetime games against divisional rivals or teams like the Washington Commanders with some star power at quarterback. However, the logistics can always get in the way. Things like not having a week of rest after playing in Madrid. What do you think of the schedule? **Bengals 2026 Schedule: Game-by-Game Breakdown and Matchups to Watch** Burrow got him back on Nov. 6, 2022 when he was playing for Carolina in a game the Bengals owned, 42-21. Backed by running back Joe Mixon’s franchise-record five touchdowns, Burrow was a deadly 22 of 28. Mayfield didn’t miss much either (14 of 20 for two touchdowns), but the Bengals held him to 155 yards. **Bengals 2026 Season Schedule Announced** will be featured in three primetime matchups, including two at Paycor Stadium against AFC North Division rivals. The Bengals will host on Sunday Night Football on Nov. 15 (8:20 p.m. on NBC), then face in a Thursday Night Football clash on New Year’s Eve (8:15 p.m. on Prime Video). **** The Bengals and the rest of the AFC North teams likely celebrated when the trade between the and the fell through, but Cincinnati will still have its work cut out for it going up against Baltimore. **** Perhaps fans should have seen the change coming. When asked about Burrow’s criticism last May, NFL vice president of broadcast planning and scheduling Mike North said Burrow made a “fair” point and the league would likely “have to adjust at some point,” per the Bengals’ website. **** The Bengals have eight home games this season and perhaps the most anticipated of those will be in Week 14. Patrick Mahomes and the come to Paycor Stadium for another showdown with Bengals and Joe Burrow. The Bengals and Chiefs game on Dec. 13 is set for 4:25 p.m. kickoff. **** The Bengals will open the 2026-27 season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The NFL insider also reports the Bengals will host the Baltimore Ravens on New Year’s Eve for Thursday Night Football in Week 17. Earlier this week, the NFL announced the Bengals will travel to Madrid to play the on Nov. 8. The entire 2026-27 league schedule will be released Thursday at 8 p.m.

Q&A

What are the key matchups for the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2026 NFL season?

The Bengals will face the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens in primetime games, along with a highly anticipated matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

When does the Cincinnati Bengals 2026 season start?

The Bengals will open their 2026 season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

How many home games will the Bengals play in the 2026 season?

The Bengals will play eight home games during the 2026 season.

What impact did Joe Burrow's complaints have on the Bengals' schedule?

Joe Burrow's complaints about scheduling may have influenced the NFL to adjust the Bengals' primetime games, including hosting the Ravens.

NFL Schedule Release Reaction and News

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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