The Cincinnati Bengals are eagerly awaiting the release of the NFL schedule for the 2026 season. Of course, they already know the teams that they’re set to play in 2026, but this will let them know exactly when each game is going to be played.
An AFC North rival, the Bengals are gearing up to play the Baltimore Ravens twice this upcoming season. The question is whether or not one of those games is going to be a primetime matchup. It’s a possibility that Bengals head coach Zac Taylor recently commented on.
“I think I would be surprised, but (I’m) prepared for it, if that’s what they choose to do to us for the fifth straight year,” Taylor said.
It certainly seems like Taylor is hoping to avoid another primetime matchup with the Ravens. That word choice of “if that’s what they choose to do to us” is particularly interesting.
Over the last four seasons, the Bengals are 2-6 against the Ravens. All four of their road games have happened to be primetime games, while Cincinnati’s home games against Baltimore have not. The Bengals are just 1-3 in those primetime road games. So, maybe it makes some sense why Taylor isn’t interested in playing another one of those, even if that one win on the road came in 2025.
It will be interesting to see what the NFL does with all of the Bengals’ AFC North foes. All three teams have new head coaches and, with that, some very fair questions about what next season is going to look like.
Zac Taylor Shared His Thoughts on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens Coaching Changes
GettyCincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor
Much is expected of an NFL head coach. Of that, there is no doubt. Still, the fact that both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens had coaching changes a season ago would prove to be a major surprise.
Mike Tomlin and Jim Harbaugh had both been institutions in the AFC North, coaching there for the entire time Zac Taylor has been with the Bengals. So, when Taylor was recently asked about those changes specifically, he admitted that it’s going to be different for the Bengals when competing in the division.
“It’s different. What that means, I don’t know. We’re just focused on ourselves and being the best version of the Bengals we can be. Everything I’m trying to do is centered on the training camp schedule and how we can be at our best,” Taylor said.
“We’re also looking at the early-season challenges we’ll face once the schedule comes out. When we play those teams, we’ll see if it’s any different, but it is strange. Since I walked in here, it was Harbaugh and Tomlin at their respective teams the whole time.”
The Cleveland Browns also made a coaching change, firing Kevin Stefanski. Taylor has just been with the Bengals longer than he was in Cleveland. Still, it adds to the new feel within the division.
Zac Taylor on Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow
GettyCincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and QB Joe Burrow
Much of the offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals has been centered around quarterback Joe Burrow. In particular, after missing the playoffs for the past three seasons in a row, trying to find a way to make sure he’s happy as the team’s franchise quarterback.
Zac Taylor recently addressed Burrow, taking the time to praise him.
“Great leader. Great to have him here on the field,” Taylor said. “He looks great. He’s in shape and ready to go.”
Burrow has been with the team for workouts and, by all accounts, is energized and ready to go. So, it would seem that despite the long list of concerns this offseason, he’s happy with the Bengals and looking to find a way to succeed in what should prove to be a vital season.
Bengals Zac Taylor on Potentially Playing Ravens in Primetime on NFL Schedule