There is no Cincinnati Bengals game today, Saturday, April 25, 2026. The NFL is currently in the heart of its offseason, meaning Paycor Stadium remains quiet as the organization shifts its focus from the gridiron to the war room.

As of late April 2026, the league is centered on the NFL Draft, a pivotal period where the Bengals aim to bolster their roster following a rollercoaster 2025 campaign. For fans looking for the next live action, the 2026 NFL regular season is not scheduled to kick off until September 9, 2026. While the lack of a game today might be disappointing for "Who Dey" nation, the current period is essential for the team's long-term success.

Understanding the 2026 NFL Offseason Timeline

To help fans keep track of when the Bengals will return to the field, it is important to understand the structured phases of the NFL offseason. Since there is no game today, the following dates are the next major milestones on the Cincinnati calendar.

The NFL Draft (April 23–25, 2026)

Today marks the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead of executing plays on the field, Head Coach Zac Taylor and the scouting department are finalizing picks for rounds four through seven. This is where depth is built, and future stars like Chase Brown (a standout from the 2025 season) are often found.

Organized Team Activities and Minicamps (May – June 2026)

Following the draft, the Bengals will begin their offseason workout programs. These sessions are non-contact but crucial for integrating rookies and getting veterans like Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase back into a cohesive rhythm. Mandatory minicamp typically concludes this phase in mid-June.

Training Camp (Late July 2026)

The intensity ramps up in late July when the team reports to training camp. This is the first time fans can witness the 2026 squad in action during open practice sessions. Positional battles, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary, will be the primary focus.

Preseason and Regular Season Opener (August – September 2026)

The Bengals will play three preseason games in August to finalize the 53-man roster. The official pursuit of a Lombardi Trophy begins on September 9, 2026, during the NFL's kickoff weekend.

Retrospective: Lessons from the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals Season

While looking forward to 2026, analyzing the performance of the team in late 2025 provides context for their current offseason strategy. The 2025 season was defined by resilience, record-breaking special teams play, and a high-octane offense that faced significant injury hurdles.

The Return of the Elite Passing Attack

In late December 2025, the Bengals demonstrated exactly why they are perennial contenders. A standout moment was the Week 17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Joe Burrow delivered what analysts described as a "point guard" performance, distributing 305 yards to nine different receivers.

Burrow’s efficiency in that 37-14 win was staggering, completing 77% of his passes (24 of 31). This followed a 78% completion rate the previous week against Miami. It signaled that when healthy, the Burrow-led offense remains one of the most difficult units to scheme against in professional football. During this game, Burrow tied Carson Palmer for the fourth-most touchdown passes in franchise history (154) and matched Andy Dalton for the most 300-yard passing games in team history (28).

The Rise of Chase Brown

One of the most encouraging developments of 2025 was the emergence of running back Chase Brown as a legitimate dual-threat weapon. Against the Cardinals, Brown recorded 101 rushing yards and 40 receiving yards, marking his eighth game of the season with 100 or more scrimmage yards.

His ability to sustain drives was also evident in the Week 12 clash against the New England Patriots, where he logged 107 rushing yards. Brown’s consistency allowed the Bengals to maintain offensive balance even when top wideouts were sidelined.

Special Teams Excellence: "Money Mac" Makes History

Evan McPherson solidified his status as one of the league’s premier kickers in 2025. In the Week 12 game against the Patriots, McPherson made Bengals history by drilling a 63-yard field goal. This surpassed the previous team record and stood as the fourth-longest kick in the NFL for the entire 2025 season.

McPherson’s reliability from distance—boasting 29 career field goals of 50+ yards—provides the Bengals with a scoring floor that few other teams possess. In a league where games are often decided by three points or less, having a record-breaking kicker is an invaluable asset.

Analyzing the Struggles: Close Losses and Injury Woes

To understand why the Bengals are currently focused on the draft rather than a playoff run, one must look at the narrow margins of defeat in 2025.

The Green Bay Battle (Week 6, 2025)

The 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field was a microcosm of the team's mid-season challenges. With Joe Flacco leading the offense at the time, the team struggled in the first half, trailing 10-0. While Flacco and Ja'Marr Chase orchestrated a second-half comeback—highlighted by a "circus catch" touchdown by Chase—the team ultimately fell short.

A missed 56-yard field goal in the final minute by McPherson (a rare blemish in a stellar year) sealed the defeat. This game highlighted the team's vulnerability when the offense fails to start fast.

Defensive Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The defense, led by safety Geno Stone and edge rusher Myles Murphy, showed flashes of brilliance throughout the 2025 season. Geno Stone, in particular, was a turnover machine. During the Patriots game, Stone recorded a 32-yard pick-six, his second career interception return for a touchdown.

However, the defense often faced "sickening" outcomes, as described by Head Coach Zac Taylor. Despite holding opponents to limited field goals and forcing goal-line stands—such as the one against New England where the rookie duo of Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. stopped the run at the one-yard line—the unit struggled with consistency over 60 minutes.

Key Players to Watch for the 2026 Season

As the team prepares for the 2026 season, several players remain the cornerstones of the franchise's aspirations.

Joe Burrow (Quarterback)

Burrow enters 2026 with the opportunity to climb even higher in the record books. He is currently 33 touchdown passes shy of matching Boomer Esiason for third on the Bengals' all-time list. His health remains the most critical factor for Cincinnati's success.

Ja'Marr Chase (Wide Receiver)

Chase continues to rewrite the history books. By the end of 2025, he surpassed T.J. Houshmandzadeh for the second-most receptions in a single season in team history. More impressively, he became the first player in NFL history to record at least 80 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns in each of his first five seasons.

Myles Murphy (Defensive End)

The Bengals' pass rush will rely heavily on the continued development of Myles Murphy. Murphy led the defense in multiple games in 2025, recording sacks and high tackle numbers. His ability to pressure elite quarterbacks in the AFC North will be paramount.

How to Follow the Bengals Today and Beyond

Since there is no game to watch on television today, fans can engage with the team through other channels:

  1. Draft Coverage: Follow the final rounds of the NFL Draft to see which prospects join the Bengals' roster.
  2. Official Team Content: The Bengals' digital platforms frequently release "behind-the-scenes" footage of draft room discussions and player interviews.
  3. Apparel and Tickets: This is the prime time for fans to secure season tickets or new merchandise before the summer rush.

When Is the Next Bengals Game?

For those marking their calendars, here is a quick guide to the upcoming Bengals schedule:

  • Preseason Game 1: Expected mid-August 2026.
  • Preseason Game 2: Expected late August 2026.
  • Regular Season Opener: September 9, 2026.

The full 17-game schedule for the 2026 season is typically released by the NFL in mid-May. This announcement is a major event for fans planning travel to away games or looking forward to divisional matchups against the Ravens, Browns, and Steelers.

Summary of the Current Bengals Status

The Cincinnati Bengals are currently in the 2026 offseason. There is no game today, April 25, 2026, as the team is participating in the final day of the NFL Draft. Looking back at the 2025 season, the team showed immense offensive potential through Joe Burrow and Chase Brown, while special teams remained elite thanks to Evan McPherson. The 2026 season holds high expectations as the team looks to build on its late-2025 momentum and navigate a challenging AFC landscape.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Bengals Schedule

Why isn't there a Bengals game today?

The NFL operates on a seasonal basis. The regular season and playoffs typically run from September to February. April is designated for the NFL Draft and offseason training, so no games are played.

When will the 2026 Bengals schedule be released?

The NFL usually releases the full regular-season schedule for all teams in the second week of May.

Where can I watch Bengals games when the season starts?

Bengals games are typically broadcast on CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN/ABC. Local fans in the Cincinnati area can also watch through various streaming services that carry local affiliates.

Who did the Bengals play in their last game?

Based on the 2025 schedule, the Bengals closed out their season with high-intensity matchups against the Cardinals and other AFC opponents. Their last recorded victory in the 2025 regular season was a 37-14 win over Arizona.

Is Joe Burrow playing for the Bengals in 2026?

Yes, Joe Burrow remains the starting quarterback and face of the franchise. He is expected to lead the team when the 2026 season begins in September.