The 2026 Cincinnati Bengals schedule has officially been released, and there are a couple of surprises. And a couple of significant anniversaries. And a whole lot of rookie/first-year head coaches. Here’s a game-by-game breakdown with some interesting stats and tidbits about each matchup. Week 1: Sept. 13 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. This will mark the third time during Zac Taylor’s tenure the Bengals have opened against an NFC opponent but just the 10th time in franchise history. The Bengals faced the Vikings at home in the 2021 opener and played at Seattle in Taylor’s debut game in 2019. This will be the second time the Bengals have opened against the Buccaneers. The first was in 1980 in Forrest Gregg’s debut game as head coach, which Cincinnati lost at home 17-12. Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield is 3-1 with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions in four career starts at Paycor Stadium. Week 2: Sept. 20 at Houston Texans, 1 p.m., Sept.…