The Cincinnati Bengals will go into 2026 with some of the highest expectations the organization has ever had. They look to get back to the top of the AFC standings after a year in which Bengals fans had to deal with a 6-11 record, a Joe Burrow injury that sidelined the star quarterback for 10 weeks, and a defense that ranked 31st in the NFL.
The Bengals’ opponents in 2026 are more than manageable. They play the Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, and the Cleveland Browns twice. If the Bengals can hold serve or split their games with the tougher opponents, they should be back in the mix for a playoff spot. Here are three must-win games for Cincinnati in 2026:
(Home) Tennessee Titans