Predicting the first 5 games of the Cincinnati Bengals 2026 season

The Cincinnati Bengals technically started hot last season by winning their first two games, but it was a total mirage en route to a 6-11 record. In that stretch, too, Joe Burrow suffered yet another serious injury.

But this is a new year in Cincinnati. A much-improved defense, a healthy Burrow, an easier schedule and accompanying Super Bowl expectations have the vibe feeling way different around Bengals HQ.

It's been bleak in Weeks 1 through 5 the last four years. Zero winning records and a combined mark of 7-13. Sluggish starts on offense abound. Poor defensive efforts. Zac Taylor not having the troops ready to roll. All indications are, now is when it all changes before the Week 6 bye...

Predictions for 2026 Cincinnati Bengals season abruptly reverse annoying trends of yesteryear

Week 1 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This won't be some cakewalk. Baker Mayfield plays the Bengals well historically dating back to his AFC North days in Cleveland. Plus, the Bucs have a running back duo in Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell who could absolutely roast Cincinnati linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter in coverage.

It should take a beat for the Bengals to jell on defense. However, I expect the offense to finally not be stuck in mud in Week 1. Burrow is healthy, the unit returns all starters, and training camp breakout Dohnte Meyers is an X-factor as a wideout and return man.

At the end of the day, I don't trust Tampa's cornerbacks to hold up versus Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. In what should be an MVP-caliber season from Joe Burrow, I suspect he'll come out throwing lasers.

Prediction: Bengals 27, Bucs 23

Week 2 at Houston Texans

We all know Burrow is quick to diagnose what a defense is doing. He's as good at that as any quarterback in the sport. The problem is, Houston doesn't really try to disguise what they do. They just dare you to out-execute them. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter are the best EDGE tandem in the NFL. Derek Stingley Jr. is a unicorn CB1. Jalen Pitre is a strong nickel.

From Weeks 12 through 17 last season when the Texans got really hot down the stretch, they ran Cover 3 on 36% of snaps and Cover 1 at a 23% clip. Again, they have the dudes to do that.

With Cincinnati's more under center-centric running game still a work in progress, I believe they'll struggle to execute in the red zone and have to settle for multiple chip-shot field goals. That'll be the difference that results in a tough defeat in their road opener.

Prediction: Texans 20, Bengals 16

Week 3 at Pittsburgh Steelers

This is where the Bengals get right. Joe Flacco shredded the Steelers in their first meeting last season for 342 yard and three TDs when he was healthy. Can't imagine what a healthy Joe Burrow might do to this Pittsburgh secondary.

Pittsburgh may have an early AFC North edge after facing the Cooper Rush-led Falcons in Week 1 and traveling to New England to face a possibly regressing Patriots team. Week 3 will be a harsh reality check for the pricey Squealers defense and an aging Aaron Rodgers.

Prediction: Bengals 38, Steelers 13

Week 4 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Beat them at home last year when Burrow got hurt and Jake Browning was pressed into duty. Why should anything be different this time around?

Look, I know the Jags proceeded to win 13 games in 2025, but other than guard Emmanuel Pregnon, I don't see many new additions making a major impact for them. They also lost All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd from the heart of their defense. He's not easily replaced!

I respect Liam Coen as a play-caller. Jags tailback Bhayshul Tuten is terrifyingly explosive. Trevor Lawrence is just OK by franchise QB standards, yet he does have a loaded cast of pass-catchers. I just don't trust Jacksonville's defense with that new linebacker corps and a paper-thin d-line.

Prediction: Bengals 34, Jaguars 24

Week 5 at Miami Dolphins

Maybe I'm drinking the Kool-Aid as a frequent Phin Phanatic contributor, but I believe Miami could surprise some folks this season. Malik Willis is a phenomenal talent, the Dolphins' o-line is better than people realize, De'Von Achane and Willis could be a lethal rushing combo, and Jeff Hafley should, in theory, elevate that defense.

Only problem is, one injury literally anywhere other than the linebacker position completely derails the Dolphins' hopes. Even if they're pretty much all healthy once they host the Bengals in Week 5, it's an uphill battle.

The Chase-Higgins combo against Miami corners JuJu Brents and Jason Marshall Jr., with Mike Gesicki in the slot opposite Dolphins first-rounder Chris Johnson, is going to create all kinds of headaches for Hafley's secondary.

I respect the Dolphins more than most. If Cincinnati is indeed coming off two double-digit wins, there's pseudo-trap game potential here. Nevertheless, the talent disparity and the depth of the Bengals' defensive line rotation will wear down the Dolphins and result in a win after a perhaps tighter first half than expected.

Prediction: Bengals 31, Dolphins 17

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