Updating our Bengals preseason predictions. How we see 2026 finishing
Before the season, each of our Bengals experts predicted the team would win a playoff game. One of our reporters no longer feels that way.
As the 2026 NFL season unfolds, the Cincinnati Bengals have defied expectations, reaching a 3-2 record in Week 6. However, the path to this point has not been without its challenges. The team's middling and inconsistent running game, two losses to winnable opponents, and the worst offensive performance of the year against the NFL's worst team have raised doubts about their prospects for the remainder of the season.
Looking ahead to 2026, our year-end predictions for the Bengals ranged from an 11-6 record with an AFC North championship to a 10-7 record with a Wild Card berth, all under the assumption that the team would secure a playoff victory. However, after evaluating five games, including the Bengals' inconsistent running game, two losses to competitive opponents, and a surprising offensive display against the worst team in the NFL, it is my revised prediction that the Bengals will finish the season with a loss.
Our initial predictions for Week 7, against the Baltimore Ravens, foresaw a close contest, with multiple reporters and the columnists predicting a win for Cincinnati. Yet, considering the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson's injury concerns and the potential for Baltimore to benefit from their victory over a better-than-expected Atlanta Falcons, my prediction has shifted to a Ravens 31, Bengals 28 victory.
In Week 8, against the Tennessee Titans, our original predictions called for a Bengals victory. However, given the Titans' 0-5 record and our belief that Cincinnati should be able to secure a close win, my pick remains unchanged: Bengals 30, Titans 27.
Week 9 saw our original predictions call for a 31-point Bengals win against the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid. However, given the Falcons' recent improvements under head coach Kevin Stefanski, I have altered my prediction to a Falcons win, now expecting a more competitive game than initially anticipated.
Week 10's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers was originally predicted as a Bengals victory. However, with the Bengals now projected to enter the game at 4-4, I believe this primetime game has become a must-win scenario for Cincinnati. As such, I will stick with my original prediction of a Bengals 20, Steelers 17 victory.
Week 11's game against the Washington Commanders was initially predicted as a Commanders win, as quarterback Jayden Daniels returned from injury. However, the Commanders' offensive struggles and the physical nature of the game against Cincinnati have led me to increase the margin of defeat to Commanders 38, Bengals 17.
Our final prediction, for Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs, began with a belief that Cincinnati could compete with the AFC's top team. Yet, following the Chiefs' 17-12 loss to the New York Jets, I maintain that Cincinnati still holds the edge in this critical matchup. Thus, I predict a Bengals 28, Chiefs 17 victory.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
