Bengals Schedule Release Spurs 12-5 Projection as AFC North Games Shape 2026 Playoff Path
Updated
Updated · Cincy Jungle · May 15
Bengals Schedule Release Spurs 12-5 Projection as AFC North Games Shape 2026 Playoff Path
8 articles · Updated · Cincy Jungle · May 15
A 12-5 finish is the headline projection after Cincinnati’s 2026 schedule release, with the forecast putting the Bengals back in the playoffs and likely hosting at least one postseason game.
Six AFC North games are framed as the season’s hinge point: Cincinnati is projected to split with Baltimore and Pittsburgh, sweep Cleveland, and needs at least a 3-3 divisional mark—likely 4-2—to secure a berth.
Week 6 brings an early bye at 4-1, but the toughest stretch follows with trips to Baltimore and Madrid, then a Sunday night home game against Pittsburgh; that run is projected to drop the Bengals to 5-4.
A late surge drives the optimistic outlook, with projected wins in 7 of the final 8 games, including a 42-38 Week 17 victory over Baltimore in a game cast as potentially deciding the AFC North.
Joe Burrow’s health remains the biggest variable after reports of a neck disc issue, and several toss-up games—including Atlanta, Kansas City and Carolina—could swing the season from 11-12 wins toward .500.
With a questionable O-line and major linebacker issues, is this really the best roster of the Joe Burrow era?
As every rival introduces a new head coach, can the Bengals exploit the chaos to reclaim the AFC North?