The 5 best Bengals games on the 2026 NFL schedule

3. Week 10 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

This will be the second meeting between the Steelers and Bengals this season. More importantly, it will be the first primetime game of the year as they meet on Sunday Night Football. AFC North matchups at the midpoint of the year always feel like they start to matter way more.

2. Week 14 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

This has become an unofficial rivalry. The games are always close. They have also played in two AFC Championships. It has been a while since the meeting between these two has meant that much, though. Still, Patrick Mahomes should be healthy by then. That means a Mahomes vs. Joe Burrow matchup could be set up. That always makes for a great game, seeing those guys go back and forth. It will also be the first time since 2022 that the game will be in Cincinnati.

1. Week 16 vs. Baltimore Ravens (New Year’s Eve)

Similar to last season, the Bengals and Ravens meet on a holiday. Except this time, IT IS ACTUALLY IN CINCINNATI. Sorry to capitalize all that, but the Bengals and Ravens primetime games have all been in Baltimore for four straight seasons. One of the wildest things, which showed so many NFL fans how favored the Ravens have been having so many primetime games at home over the last few years. This is Week 16, though. It is on New Year’s Eve. And if both teams have the seasons they are expecting, this could have serious postseason implications. You couldn’t want anything more (FINALLY IN CINCINNATI). What do you think will be the best game on the 2026 Bengals schedule? Sound off in the comments section!