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Bengals Release 2026 Schedule, Feature Madrid Showdown

5/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Cincinnati Bengals released their 2026 schedule Thursday, which includes a game in Madrid Nov. 8 vs. Falcons, a season opener vs. Buccaneers Sept. 13, and matchups vs. Steelers Nov. 15, Commanders Nov. 23 and Chiefs Dec. 13.
Week 6 gives a bye and the preseason features contests vs. Lions Aug. 13, Bears Aug. 22 and an away game at Eagles Aug. 28.
Analysts say the Bengals must win NFC South matchups and improve defense to make the playoffs.

History

Historical Context

Since launching the International Series at Wembley in 2007, the NFL has staged annual London games that regularly draw more than 80,000 spectators and grew its UK fan base from 2.3 million to about 4 million, aiming for 6 million by 2020. Building on that momentum, the Cincinnati Bengals will play the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid on November 8, extending the league’s European push.

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Story summary

The Cincinnati Bengals released their 2026 schedule Thursday, which includes a game in Madrid Nov. 8 vs. Falcons, a season opener vs. Buccaneers Sept. 13, and matchups vs. Steelers Nov. 15, Commanders Nov. 23 and Chiefs Dec. 13.
Week 6 gives a bye and the preseason features contests vs. Lions Aug. 13, Bears Aug. 22 and an away game at Eagles Aug. 28.
Analysts say the Bengals must win NFC South matchups and improve defense to make the playoffs.

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