The Cincinnati Bengals might be the biggest winners of the NFL schedule release—and it's not just because of who they play, but when they play them.

Heading into 2026, the Bengals are sitting pretty with a schedule that looks even more favorable than expected. Thanks to their finish last season, they've dodged some tough matchups. But here's the real game-changer: the entire AFC North is in flux.

The Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Pittsburgh Steelers all have new head coaches. That means the Bengals' division rivals are essentially starting from scratch with new systems, new playbooks, and new chemistry. As Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio put it, you want to catch these teams early, before they've had time to gel.

“Let me get these teams in the earliest possible phase of the new head coach,” Florio said.

His co-host, Devin McCourty, drove the point home with a perfect example: the New England Patriots' run to the Super Bowl in 2025. They feasted on the NFC South and AFC South, both divisions loaded with teams adjusting to new coaching staffs.

Sound familiar? The Bengals are playing those exact same divisions in 2026.

That means squads like the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons will be breaking in new head coaches when they face Cincinnati. And don't forget—the Bengals will see their three AFC North rivals twice each, all with new leadership on the sidelines.

So while everyone gets hyped about primetime matchups and marquee games, keep your eye on the calendar. For the Bengals, the real advantage lies in facing these rebuilding teams early in the season, before they've found their footing. If the schedule delivers those games in September and October, Cincinnati could be looking at a serious head start in the playoff race.