Bengals' 2026 Schedule Has Become Significantly Easier Since June

The Bengals are scheduled to play the Cleveland Browns twice, along with games against the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to Sharp, those three teams are among the top four NFL teams whose win totals have been most bet against since June. As bettors continue to take the under on Cleveland, Miami, and Tampa Bay, the perceived difficulty of Cincinnati's schedule decreases.

That could be very important for a Bengals team seeking to return to the playoffs after another disappointing, injury-ravaged 2025 season.

Cincinnati already benefits from playing the Browns because the two teams are in the same division. If Miami and Tampa Bay also struggle to meet early-season expectations, the Bengals could have three more highly favorable opportunities to add wins to their schedule.

Of course, the betting-market movement doesn't guarantee how any team will perform once the season begins. Injuries, roster changes, and unexpected breakout performances can dramatically alter the outlook of a matchup.

Still, the shift is an encouraging development for Cincinnati. The Bengals have plenty of questions to answer entering the season, but a schedule trending easier could give them additional margin for error.

The Bengals still have to navigate an AFC North that is historically tough, with Cincinnati, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Based on how the betting market has moved since June, however, their overall road might not be quite as challenging as it originally appeared.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Sign Up For Our DAILY Newsletter for More Free Coverage of the Cincinnati Bengals Delivered to You Directly