Walt
Team record, game log, power ranking, schedule, needs, draft grade, and draft pick links.
NORTH Opponents
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The 2025 NFL Season – Team Record and Game Log
Season Review
Cincinnati Bengals
View Game Log from 2025 Season
| Game | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Bengals(0-0) at Browns(0-0) | WIN | Bengals 17 – Browns 16 |
| Jaguars(1-0) at Bengals(1-0) | WIN | Jaguars 27 – Bengals 31 |
| Bengals(2-0) at Vikings(1-1) | LOSS | Bengals 10 – Vikings 48 |
| Bengals(2-1) at Broncos(1-2) | LOSS | Bengals 3 – Broncos 28 |
| Lions(3-1) at Bengals(2-2) | LOSS | Lions 37 – Bengals 24 |
| Bengals(2-3) at Packers(2-1-1) | LOSS | Bengals 18 – Packers 27 |
| Steelers(4-1) at Bengals(2-4) | WIN | Steelers 31 – Bengals 33 |
| Jets(0-7) at Bengals(2-5) | LOSS | Jets 39 – Bengals 38 |
| Bears(4-3) at Bengals(3-5) | LOSS | Bears 47 – Bengals 42 |
| Bengals(3-6) at Steelers(5-4) | LOSS | Bengals 12 – Steelers 34 |
| Patriots(9-2) at Bengals(3-7) | LOSS | Patriots 26 – Bengals 20 |
| Bengals(3-8) at Ravens(6-5) | WIN | Bengals 32 – Ravens 14 |
| Bengals(4-8) at Bills(8-4) | LOSS | Bengals 34 – Bills 39 |
| Ravens(6-7) at Bengals(4-9) | LOSS | Ravens 24 – Bengals 0 |
| Bengals(4-10) at Dolphins(6-8) | WIN | Bengals 45 – Dolphins 21 |
| Cardinals(3-12) at Bengals(5-10) | WIN | Cardinals 14 – Bengals 37 |
| Browns(4-12) at Bengals(6-10) | LOSS | Browns 20 – Bengals 18 |
Walt’s Latest Bengals Power Ranking
Updated 5/13/2026
at 5:05 AM
Rank: 12
Previously: 17
This is the first time the Bengals have had an offseason without any drama in years. There’s no Joe Burrow injury. There are no contract disputes with the receivers. Defensive players haven’t left en masse. The Bengals added some defensive talent like Dexter Lawrence and Bryan Cook, so if Burrow can remain healthy, the sky is the limit for this team.
2026 NFL Season – Upcoming Schedule
Schedule| Week | Opponent | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
vs
Buccaneers
|
9/13/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 2 |
@
Texans
|
9/20/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 3 |
@
Steelers
|
9/27/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 4 |
vs
Jaguars
|
10/4/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 5 |
@
Dolphins
|
10/11/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 7 |
@
Ravens
|
10/25/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 8 |
vs
Titans
|
11/1/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 9 |
@
Falcons
|
11/8/2026 9:30:00 AM EST | TBD |
| 10 |
vs
Steelers
|
11/15/2026 8:20:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 11 |
@
Commanders
|
11/23/2026 8:15:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 12 |
vs
Saints
|
11/29/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 13 |
@
Browns
|
12/6/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 14 |
vs
Chiefs
|
12/13/2026 4:25:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 15 |
@
Panthers
|
12/20/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 16 |
@
Colts
|
12/26/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 17 |
vs
Ravens
|
12/31/2026 8:15:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 18 |
vs
Browns
|
1/9/2027 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
Walt’s Team Needs Assessment
Needs
The Bengals entered the season with a dreadful defense, but the injury to Joe Burrow had the greatest impact. The Bengals will have to hope for better luck in 2026, though their biggest need entering this offseason will continue to be an owner who isn’t incredibly cheap.
- Two Linebackers: Cincinnati had some of the worst linebacker play in the NFL last year, especially after Logan Wilson was traded.
- Defensive Tackle: The Bengals used two second-day picks on defensive tackles a couple of years ago, but neither has played well. Cincinnati needs help next to B.J. Hill in the defensive interior.
- Defensive End: The Bengals may lose Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai this offseason. If they depart, another pass rusher must be acquired to pair with some of the young edge players Cincinnati has on the roster.
- Safety: Jessie Bates has sorely been missed. The Bengals need a better safety to play next to Jordan Battle. Signed Bryan Cook
- Cornerback: D.J. Turner is an emerging star, while Dax Hill performed well last year. However, the Bengals need one more cornerback to pair with them.
- Guard: Dalton Risner and Lucas Patrick are both set to hit free agency, so one of them will need to be retained.
- Center: Ted Karras is another impending free agent from Cincinnat’s offensive line.
- Backup Quarterback: If Joe Flacco isn’t retained, the Bengals will need to find a backup behind Joe Burrow. Re-signed Joe Flacco; signed Josh Johnson
Walt’s 2026 NFL Draft – Overall Team Grade and Selection Grades
Draft Review
Walt’s Draft Grade:
B- Grade
Walt’s Grade Summary
The Bengals used the 10th-overall pick on defense, but not in the way most fans were expecting a few weeks ago. The Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence, who will provide an immediate boost to a weak interior defensive front. No one the Bengals could have obtained at No. 10 in a weak draft class could provide the immediate spark that Lawrence will generate, unless he becomes fat and happy from his new contract.
It came as no surprise that the Bengals used both of their second-day picks on defense, though the Tacario Davis selection was underwhelming. Davis is a very stiff cornerback who was chosen two rounds too early.
Oddly enough, the Bengals didn’t use another draft choice on defense until they were on the clock in the middle of the seventh round. While there were some quality choices spent on offensive linemen to protect Joe Burrow and a potent receiving tight end threat, the Bengals also wasted a fifth-round pick on a receiver when this asset could’ve been used to further bolster the weak defense. These missteps are enough to downgrade the Bengals after a strong start with Lawrence and Cashius Howell.
It came as no surprise that the Bengals used both of their second-day picks on defense, though the Tacario Davis selection was underwhelming. Davis is a very stiff cornerback who was chosen two rounds too early.
Oddly enough, the Bengals didn’t use another draft choice on defense until they were on the clock in the middle of the seventh round. While there were some quality choices spent on offensive linemen to protect Joe Burrow and a potent receiving tight end threat, the Bengals also wasted a fifth-round pick on a receiver when this asset could’ve been used to further bolster the weak defense. These missteps are enough to downgrade the Bengals after a strong start with Lawrence and Cashius Howell.
Draft Picks / Prospect Links
Pick 41
A-
Cashius Howell, DE, Texas A&M
DE
Texas A&M
Rnk: 26
Scouting Report
The Bengals have made some big improvements to their defensive line. They traded for Dexter Lawrence and now found themselves an explosive edge rusher. If Howell had longer arms, he would have been a first-round pick. Howell won’t quite replace Trey Hendrickson, but he’ll certainly help fill the void.
Pick 72
C
Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
CB
Washington
Rnk: 284
Tacario Davis is a huge cornerback, but he’s too big because he’s stiff. I had Davis going in the fifth round, so this is a reach. The Bengals are at least addressing a need, but why not just take a shot on Jermod McCoy?
Pick 128
A
Connor Lew, C, Auburn
C
Auburn
Rnk: 64
I can’t ever fault the Bengals for drafting a talented lineman to protect Joe Burrow. Connor Lew is a strong and agile blocker. I thought he had a chance to go at the end of Round 2, so I love this value for Cincinnati.
Pick 140
D
Colbie Young, WR, Georgia
WR
Georgia
Rnk: 531
Colbie Young is an absolutely massive receiver and can run routes well, but speed is a big concern. I didn’t have Young going in my mock draft, and this obviously doesn’t satisfy a need.
Pick 189
B
Brian Parker, C, Duke
C
Duke
Rnk: 0
Brian Parker is a quality athlete who pass protects well. He needs to get stronger for the pros. He can play multiple positions, so that should help protect Joe Burrow, which, again, is always a good thing.
Pick 221
A
Jack Endries, TE, Texas
TE
Texas
Rnk: 140
Jack Endries is a dangerous receiving tight end who needs to improve as a blocker. The Bengals need defense, but they could also use another intermediate target for Joe Burrow. I had Endries going in the fourth round, so this is an amazing value.
Pick 226
B+
Landon Robinson, DT, Navy
DT
Navy
Rnk: 0
Landon Robinson is explosive off the snap, but struggles in run defense and is not lengthy at all. You know Robinson is going to work hard, and he could help Cincinnati’s poor defense. I had him going five spots earlier.
Charlie Campbell
