NFL analysts exclude Cincinnati Bengals from 2026 playoff projections

NFL analysts Kyle Brandt and Bill Barnwell omitted the Cincinnati Bengals from their predicted AFC playoff fields for the 2026 season. Brandt projected the Baltimore Ravens to secure the AFC North title and selected the Tennessee Titans to capture the final wild card spot. Barnwell’s forecast includes the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Ravens, and Houston Texans as division winners, with the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers entering as wild cards. These projections arrive as the Cincinnati Bengals prepare for their season opener on Sunday. The team enters the campaign with a revamped defensive unit featuring Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, Cashius Howell, and Bryan Cook. Additionally, the Bengals return their full starting offensive line alongside receiver tandem Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The organization must now validate its roster depth on the field to overcome skepticism from national media outlets.

• 5:35 PMYahoo Sports — Pair of NFL experts do not have Bengals making the playoffs