Analysts Pick Bengals to Finish 9-8 in 2026 After 18-Game Schedule Breakdown

12 articles · Updated · The Cincinnati Enquirer · May 14

A game-by-game forecast released after the NFL schedule reveal projects Cincinnati at 9-8, with analysts saying the Bengals would miss the playoffs again despite one of the league’s softer slates.
The outlook hinges on a weak schedule—no West Coast trips and no games against Buffalo or New England—but still circles back to one question: whether Joe Burrow can stay healthy.
The prediction has Cincinnati opening 0-2 against Tampa Bay and Houston, then recovering with wins in rivalry and midseason spots, including at Pittsburgh, at Baltimore and in Madrid against Atlanta.
Late-season losses are expected to decide the year, with defeats to Washington, Cleveland, Indianapolis and a Week 17 home thriller against Baltimore projected to end the Bengals’ AFC North and playoff hopes.
The schedule includes a Week 6 bye, three primetime games and a New Year’s Eve Ravens matchup framed as the division’s pivotal showdown.

With a rebuilt defense and easy schedule, will the Bengals defy a 9-8 prediction and return to AFC contention?

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