Overview
- Media outlets, which published Bengals and Ravens opponent lists Wednesday, used the NFL formula that fixes foes by rotation before dates are assigned.
- The league has not announced the release date for the full 2026 slate, though reporting points to May 13 or May 14.
- Early projections from Sharp Football Analysis list Cincinnati with the third-easiest 2026 schedule and Baltimore with the sixth-easiest.
- Cincinnati comes off a 6-11 season and a defensive overhaul that includes trading the No. 10 pick to the Giants for All-Pro tackle Dexter Lawrence.
- Baltimore begins the Jesse Minter era after firing John Harbaugh, and the team signed pass rusher Trey Hendrickson after a Maxx Crosby trade fell through.