The Cincinnati Bengals are entering the 2026 season with as much hype as any other team in the NFL.
After missing the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, Cincinnati changed up the roster construction plan over the offseason. The Bengals brought in multiple defensive veterans, including star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
This should bolster the unit, giving Cincinnati a legitimate chance to get back to the top this year. Multiple insiders have been all-in on the Bengals entering the year, giving the team some hope it can put together a strong season.
NFL Insider All-In on Bengals
NFL insider Adam Schein is fully buying stock in the Bengals heading into the 2026 season. On social media, Schein predicted that Cincinnati would win at least 12 games this year.
Burrow talking Super Bowl is the quote of the preseason. Because it’s real. The talent is there. The offseason commitment was there. Love this. Bengals win minimum 12 games this season. https://t.co/KCfke4j3eM
— Adam Schein (@AdamSchein) August 21, 2026
With Joe Burrow back healthy, the sky is the limit for the Bengals this season. But whether they can reach these heights remains to be seen.
Can the Cincinnati Bengals Win 12 Games in 2026?
When looking at the Bengals’ schedule, it’s certainly possible for the team to win this number of games. After finishing in third place in the AFC North in 2025, the Bengals have a favorable schedule, and the team will look to take advantage.
Cincinnati kicks off the year with a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home, giving them a decent chance to open with a win. The Bengals then head on the road for two games, facing the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers.
After this, the team comes back home for a Week 4 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cincinnati then heads to Miami for a date with the Dolphins, which will be the last game before an early-season bye week.
Coming out of the bye, the Bengals face the Baltimore Ravens on the road. This will be the last “tough” game for Cincinnati for a while, with the team having a stretch of games that will likely define the year.
The Bengals will host the Tennessee Titans before going on the road to face the Atlanta Falcons. Then Week 10 is the second game against the Steelers.
Week 11 will see Cincinnati travel to face the Washington Commanders in a battle of former LSU quarterbacks. Week 12 has the Bengals hosting the New Orleans Saints.
Then in Week 13, the Bengals will square off against the interstate rival, the Cleveland Browns, for the first time this year. In Week 14, Cincinnati battles the Kansas City Chiefs, giving them a potential playoff matchup.
Cincinnati then rounds out the year with games against the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts. Finally, the Bengals will host the Ravens and Browns to close out the season.
Overall, the schedule seems to be a little more favorable than in years past for the Bengals. This team should absolutely win at least 10 games, with 12 being more of a ceiling given all the uncertainty thoughout a season.
If the Bengals can’t get back to being one of the better teams in the AFC this year, big changes could be coming in the offseason. The clock is ticking on this franchise, and it’s now or never for the Bengals entering the 2026 season.
NFL Insider Gives Bengals Interesting Season Prediction