2024-25 Cincinnati Bengals Schedule: Game Time, Channel, How to Watch
The 2024-25 NFL season is just around the corner, and Cincinnati Bengals fans are eagerly awaiting another exciting campaign. After a strong showing last year, the Bengals are looking to build on their success with a roster full of talent and potential.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan planning to watch every game or a casual viewer hoping to catch the key matchups, this guide will break down everything you need to know about the Bengals’ upcoming season. We’ll cover game times, channels, how to watch, and more, so you’re fully prepared for the action.
What to Expect from the 2024-25 Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals enter the 2024-25 season with high expectations. Led by star quarterback Joe Burrow and a dynamic offense featuring Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Joe Mixon, Cincinnati is poised to make another deep playoff run. After reaching the AFC Championship in recent seasons, the Bengals are focused on taking the next step and bringing a Super Bowl title to the city. Head coach Zac Taylor has developed a winning culture, and fans are excited to see how far this team can go.
In a highly competitive AFC North, the Bengals will face tough division rivals like the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers. With every divisional game carrying playoff implications, each matchup will be critical in the Bengals’ quest for the postseason.
How to Watch the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024-25
With a full season of action ahead, you’ll want to know how and where to watch every Bengals game. Thankfully, there are multiple ways to tune in, whether you prefer traditional TV or modern streaming platforms.
National Broadcasting Channels
The majority of Bengals games will be broadcast on major networks. Here’s a breakdown of which channels you can expect to find the games on:
- CBS: As the network with the rights to AFC games, CBS will carry most of the Bengals’ Sunday afternoon matchups. Tune in to CBS for games against division rivals and other AFC teams.
- FOX: FOX is typically home to NFC games, but it will broadcast some Bengals matchups when Cincinnati faces NFC opponents or when the network flexes games to maximize viewership.
- NBC: The home of Sunday Night Football, NBC will feature the Bengals in at least one primetime showdown during the season. These games are often the most high-profile matchups of the week.
- ESPN: Monday Night Football on ESPN is a primetime fixture, and the Bengals will be featured in at least one Monday night game this year, giving fans an exciting start to the week.
- NFL Network: A handful of Bengals games will be aired on the NFL Network, especially when it comes to Thursday Night Football. For those who don’t have access to the channel through cable, streaming options like Amazon Prime Video will also carry these games.
Streaming Options for Bengals Fans
If you’ve cut the cord and are looking for streaming options, you’re in luck. The Bengals’ games will be widely available on multiple streaming platforms, giving you the flexibility to watch from anywhere. Here are some of the top choices:
- NFL+: This is the NFL’s official streaming service, which provides live coverage of local and primetime games on mobile devices, along with full replays. It’s an excellent option for watching Bengals games on the go or catching up after they air.
- Amazon Prime Video: Thursday Night Football is now exclusive to Amazon Prime Video. This means Bengals fans will need a Prime subscription to watch any Thursday night games.
- Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV: These live TV streaming platforms offer access to CBS, NBC, FOX, and ESPN, making them comprehensive options for watching Bengals games all season long. All three services also provide DVR functionality, so you can record games and watch them at your convenience.
- Sling TV: Offering a more affordable way to stream live TV, Sling includes ESPN and FOX in its lineup, though CBS might require a separate local channel subscription depending on your region.
For those living outside the Bengals’ broadcast area, NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV is the best way to catch every Cincinnati game live. Sunday Ticket gives you access to out-of-market games, ensuring you don’t miss a single snap, no matter where you are.
Game Time Details and Key Matchups
The Bengals’ 2024-25 season will feature a mix of afternoon and primetime games, with most Sunday matchups kicking off at either 1:00 PM ET or 4:25 PM ET. For evening games, the Bengals will take the field under the bright lights of Sunday, Monday, and Thursday Night Football.
Here are some of the biggest games to circle on your calendar:
- Week 3: Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens – A heated AFC North rivalry game with significant playoff implications. This matchup will be crucial in determining division standings.
- Week 7: Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs – A rematch of recent AFC Championship games, this contest pits Joe Burrow against Patrick Mahomes in what promises to be one of the most exciting games of the season.
- Week 10: Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – No rivalry in the AFC North is fiercer than Bengals vs. Steelers. This game is always physical, and playoff positioning will likely be on the line.
- Week 14: Bengals vs. Buffalo Bills – A showdown between two of the AFC’s top teams, the Bengals will face the Bills in a primetime battle that could have major playoff implications.
Full 2024-25 Cincinnati Bengals Schedule
Below is a breakdown of the Bengals’ 2024-25 regular-season schedule, including key home and away games. All times listed are in Eastern Time (ET).
Home Games at Paycor Stadium:
- Week 1: Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns – 1:00 PM, CBS
- Week 5: Bengals vs. San Francisco 49ers – 4:25 PM, FOX
- Week 8: Bengals vs. Seattle Seahawks – 1:00 PM, FOX
- Week 13: Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens – 8:20 PM, NBC (Sunday Night Football)
Away Games:
- Week 2: Bengals at Los Angeles Chargers – 4:25 PM, CBS
- Week 6: Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers – 1:00 PM, CBS
- Week 9: Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs – 8:15 PM, ESPN (Monday Night Football)
- Week 11: Bengals at Denver Broncos – 4:05 PM, CBS
This season is packed with high-stakes matchups, and Bengals fans won’t want to miss a second of the action.
Primetime Games to Watch
The Bengals are expected to be featured in several primetime slots this season. These games are often against top opponents and offer a national audience the chance to see some of the league’s best talent on display. Here’s a look at Cincinnati’s primetime appearances:
- Sunday Night Football: The Bengals will be part of at least two Sunday Night Football matchups on NBC. These games are often the highlight of the week and feature key AFC battles.
- Monday Night Football: ESPN’s Monday Night Football will host the Bengals for at least one game this season, putting Joe Burrow and company in the national spotlight.
- Thursday Night Football: While Thursday games can be tough for teams with short rest, the Bengals are expected to play on Thursday Night Football, which will be streamed exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
How to Stay Updated on Bengals News and Schedule Changes
The NFL schedule can change throughout the season due to flex scheduling, especially for games later in the year. If a game’s time or network changes, you’ll want to stay informed. Here’s how to keep up with any Bengals schedule updates:
- Bengals Official Website and Social Media: The team’s website and social media channels provide real-time updates on game times, ticket availability, and schedule changes.
- NFL Mobile App: Download the official NFL app to receive notifications about Bengals games, including start times, score updates, and important news.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 Cincinnati Bengals season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with star players, fierce rivalries, and plenty of primetime matchups. Whether you’re watching on traditional TV or streaming the games online, there are plenty of ways to catch all the action. With Joe Burrow at the helm and a roster filled with talent, the Bengals are poised to compete for another deep playoff run. Be sure to mark your calendar for the key games, set your DVR or streaming services, and get ready to cheer on the Bengals throughout the season.
FAQs
- What are the best streaming options for Bengals games?
- Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, NFL+, and Amazon Prime Video are all great options for streaming Bengals games.
- How can I watch the Bengals without cable?
- You can stream the games using platforms like NFL+, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV.
- Are there international streaming options for Bengals games?
- Yes, NFL Game Pass International offers live game access outside the U.S.
- How do I get tickets to the Bengals home games?
- Tickets can be purchased through the Bengals’ official website or authorized sellers like Ticketmaster.
- What should I do if the game time changes?
- Follow the Bengals’ social media or check the NFL app for the latest updates.
