The Cincinnati Bengals are not playing today, Sunday, October 18, 2026, during Week 6 of the NFL regular season because the team is on its scheduled bye week.
While several NFL teams are taking the field Sunday, Cincinnati has the weekend off, giving players additional time to recover and coaches an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming schedule.
Here’s everything to know about why the Bengals aren’t playing today, their bye week and when Cincinnati returns to action.
Why Aren’t the Cincinnati Bengals Playing Today?
The Cincinnati Bengals are not scheduled to play on October 18 because Week 6 is their designated bye week in the 2026 NFL season.
Every NFL team receives one bye week during the 18-week regular-season schedule. The break allows teams to rest, recover from injuries, evaluate their performance and prepare for upcoming opponents.
The Bengals will return to action in Week 7.
When Do the Cincinnati Bengals Play Next?
The Bengals’ next scheduled game is Sunday, October 25, 2026, against the Baltimore Ravens.
Cincinnati Bengals Next Game:
- Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens
- Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Week: NFL Week 7
- Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
- TV Channel: CBS
The matchup will be an important AFC North divisional contest as Cincinnati looks to build momentum following its bye week.
What Is the Cincinnati Bengals’ Record Entering Their Bye Week?
The Cincinnati Bengals enter their Week 6 bye with a 3-2 record following a 31-24 victory over the Miami Dolphins on October 11.
Cincinnati will use the additional preparation time before returning to divisional competition against Baltimore.
Which Other NFL Teams Have a Bye Week on October 18?
The Bengals are not the only team enjoying a scheduled break during Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season.
The following teams have a bye week:
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Detroit Lions
- Miami Dolphins
- Minnesota Vikings
These teams will not play Sunday, October 18, and are scheduled to return in Week 7.
How Many Bye Weeks Do NFL Teams Get?
Each NFL team receives one scheduled bye week during the regular season.
The NFL plays an 18-week regular-season schedule, with each team competing in 17 games.
Bye weeks are built into the schedule to provide teams with additional rest and preparation time during the season.
Are the Bengals Eliminated From Playing in Week 6?
No. The Bengals are not eliminated, suspended or missing a game because of an unexpected scheduling change.
Their absence from the October 18 NFL schedule is simply the result of their regularly scheduled bye week.
Cincinnati remains active in the AFC playoff race and will resume its regular-season schedule in Week 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Cincinnati Bengals playing today, October 18, 2026?
No. The Bengals are on their scheduled bye week and do not have a game during NFL Week 6.
Why do the Bengals have a bye week?
The NFL schedules one bye week for every team during its 18-week regular season to provide additional rest and preparation time.
When is the Bengals’ next game?
Cincinnati is scheduled to face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET.
What channel is the Bengals’ next game on?
The Bengals’ Week 7 matchup against Baltimore is scheduled to air on CBS.
What is the Bengals’ record entering Week 6?
Cincinnati enters its bye week with a 3-2 record.
Final Thoughts
The Cincinnati Bengals are not playing Sunday, October 18, 2026, because they are enjoying their scheduled NFL Week 6 bye week.
After opening the season with a 3-2 record, Cincinnati will have additional time to rest and prepare for its next matchup.
The Bengals return to action Sunday, October 25, when they travel to face the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC North showdown.
For more NFL schedules, game previews, injury updates and where-to-watch information, visit The Sports Cast at thesportscast.net.