The Cincinnati Bengals continue to fight for a chance at the postseason. On Thursday night, they secured a victory against the Baltimore Ravens with a score of 32-14, thanks to a standout performance by quarterback Joe Burrow, who returned from an injury to complete 24 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns. This win improves their record to 4-8, mirroring the situation they faced after the Thanksgiving week last season. They went on to win five consecutive games to finish with a 9-8 record, only to be eliminated from playoff contention on the final day of the season.
This raises the question: can they replicate that success? The answer lies in a few scenarios. In a best-case situation, the Bengals could win their next five games while other teams in the AFC North falter, potentially allowing them to clinch the division title. According to Sportskeeda”s Playoff Predictor, a tiebreaker could favor the Bengals even if they finish with an 8-9 record, but that would require a significant amount of luck.
Another path to the playoffs would be as a wild card, but this would necessitate poor performances from several teams. For instance, the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers would need to lose key games to help the Bengals” cause. Even with a losing record, the Bengals could potentially make the playoffs, despite no team ever achieving this feat with double-digit losses. The closest example occurred in the NFC East in 2020.
A pivotal game in this scenario would feature the Chargers facing off against the Houston Texans. If the Chargers win, they would advance; however, a tie could favor the Chargers unless the Miami Dolphins secure eight wins, in which case they would claim the spot. The Chiefs would also have a chance to advance if they defeat the Texans and manage a poor finish thereafter.
The Bengals” path is complicated by their upcoming schedule, which includes a daunting matchup against the Buffalo Bills, who have dominated the AFC East. Although the Bills” offense led by Josh Allen may be struggling, their defense remains formidable, featuring strong performances from edge rusher Joey Bosa and safety Cole Bishop.
Following the Bills, the Bengals will have a rematch with the Ravens, where Lamar Jackson will likely have made adjustments after analyzing their first encounter. The Bengals will then face three teams considered outside the playoff race: the Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns. Despite their current struggles, the Dolphins have a capable running back in De”Von Achane, who could pose a challenge for the Bengals” defense, already missing key players Gremaine Pratt and Logan Wilson.
As for the Browns, Myles Garrett remains an elite pass rusher. The Bengals must remain vigilant to avoid any slip-ups that could jeopardize their playoff aspirations.
Bengals Nation! For the latest updates, check out the Cincinnati Bengals Schedule and explore the Bengals Depth Chart for the 2024-25 NFL season.
