It began with the team trying to improve on their 11–5 record in 2005, defending their AFC North Division Championship title, and progress further through the playoffs than they made in the 2005 season having lost to Pittsburgh in the 1st round after losing star quarterback Carson Palmer to injury on the second play of the game.

[4] Front office Head coaches Offensive coaches Special teams coaches Strength and conditioning Running backs (RB) Wide receivers (WR) Tight ends (TE) Defensive linemen (DL) Defensive backs (DB) Special teams Note: Intra-divisional opponents are in bold text at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri The Bengals opened the regular season on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 10.

In the second quarter, kicker Shayne Graham made a 37-yard field goal as time ran out to give Cincinnati a 17–3 halftime lead.

David Pollack, a 2nd year linebacker, suffered a non-paralyzing broken neck (fracturing his C6 vertebra), and would miss the rest of the season.

The game was marred by sloppy play by both teams, but Cincinnati benefitted greatly by creating 5 Steeler turnovers and blocking a Jeff Reed field goal attempt.

Following a blocked field goal by John Thornton, Palmer and Henry would connect for another touchdown late in the second quarter, which gave Cincinnati a 14–7 lead at halftime.

Roethlisberger drove the Steelers down to the Bengals' 16-yard line, but his pass intended for Nate Washington in the end zone, was intercepted by Kevin Kaesviharn.

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio The Bengals quarterback protection was an issue, as Carson Palmer was sacked four times during this game.

[5] Wideout Chris Henry was deactivated for the game for what was believed to be a disciplinary measure by Head Coach Marvin Lewis for his involvement in Odell Thurman's DUI incident.

After a scoreless first quarter, Cincinnati took an early lead, as quarterback Carson Palmer threw a 33-yard TD pass to wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh for the only score of the half.

In the third quarter, the Bucs would tie the game, as quarterback Bruce Gradkowski completed a 2-yard TD pass to tight end Alex Smith.

During the Buccaneers' final drive, on 1st down, after entering the red zone, defensive end Justin Smith apparently made the first sack of Gradkowski for the game, during a solo tackle.

Originally, the catch was ruled incomplete, but replays proved that Clayton managed to break the plane of the goal line before losing the ball.

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio Hoping to rebound from last week's loss to the Buccaneers, the Bengals prepared for a showdown with the Panthers.

Kicker Shayne Graham nailed a 23-yard field goal in the third quarter, and Carson Palmer completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh.

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio Following their victory against the Panthers, the Bengals played another home game, this week, against the visiting Falcons.

In the second quarter, Cincinnati added to their lead with quarterback Carson Palmer's 12-yard TD pass to wide receiver Chad Johnson.

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio The Bengals were home for their Week 10 match-up with the San Diego Chargers.

Graham kicked another field goal for the Bengals, from 44 yards out, but the Chargers held the lead, and Rivers tossed a final 5-yard touchdown pass to Manumaleuna.

In the first quarter, the Bengals drew first blood as quarterback Carson Palmer completed a 41-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chad Johnson.

In the third quarter, Palmer threw a 6-yard strike to wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh, but Browns defensive end, Simon Fraser, blocked the extra point.

In the third quarter, the Bengals added onto their lead when quarterback Carson Palmer completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh on a flea flicker.

Quarterback Steve McNair completed a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Derrick Mason, but the Bengals squashed Baltimore's comeback, by recovering the Ravens' onside kick.

[21] Even though quarterback Carson Palmer threw 3 interceptions (two to Nnamdi Asomugha and one to Fabian Washington), and running back Rudi Johnson turned the ball over in the second quarter, the 4 turnovers given to the Raiders were not enough opportunities for the Oakland offense to create points.

Bengal mistakes were systemic, as even kicker Shayne Graham missed an extra point, bouncing the ball off the left upright in the third quarter.

The loss dropped the Bengals' record to 8–6, and delivered their division rival, the Baltimore Ravens, the AFC North crown.

On the extra point attempt, holder Kyle Larson allowed the snap to fly between his hands, securing the Broncos' win.

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio The Bengals wrapped up their regular season at home with a must-win AFC North rematch game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In overtime, the Steelers won when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw a 67-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Santonio Holmes.

In a cruel twist of fate, the Chiefs defeated the Jaguars and the Broncos lost to the 49ers, meaning that the Bengals cost themselves a playoff berth.