At 5-8, the Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. But yes, it’s not over until it’s over! Believe it or not, there’s still a way for the Bengals to sneak into the postseason. It’ll take some help, a lot of luck, and a flawless finish to the season, but crazier things have happened in the NFL.
Let’s break down exactly what needs to go right for Cincinnati to keep their playoff dreams alive.
1. Cincinnati Bengals Must Win Out
Cincinnati’s margin for error is zero. To have any shot at the playoffs, the Bengals must win all four of their remaining games. Here’s the schedule:
- Week 15: at Titans
- Week 16: vs. Browns
- Week 17: vs. Broncos
- Week 18: at Steelers
The Bengals need to handle business against the Titans and Browns first. If they can avoid slip-ups, the Week 17 matchup against the Broncos could be a season-defining game. The good news? It’s at home. In Week 18, the Bengals face the Steelers, who might rest their starters if they’ve already clinched the AFC North. That’s a big if, but it’s a possible break for Cincinnati.
2. Broncos Need to Go 1-3
The Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff chances hinge heavily on the Denver Broncos stumbling down the stretch. Denver cannot reach 10 wins, meaning the Bengals need them to go 1-3 or worse in their last four games:
- Week 15: vs. Colts
- Week 16: at Chargers
- Week 17: at Bengals
- Week 18: vs. Chiefs
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Denver’s schedule is brutal. They face a surging Colts team, the high-powered Chargers, a road trip to Cincinnati, and finish with the Chiefs. If Kansas City secures the AFC’s top seed early, they might rest their starters in Week 18, making a Broncos win more likely. Cincinnati fans will want to root hard for the Colts, Chargers, and Chiefs in these matchups.
Also Read: Cincinnati Bengals Complete Blockbuster Trade
3. Dolphins Must Go 2-2
The Dolphins need to finish with no more than eight wins, meaning Miami can’t do better than 2-2 in their final stretch:
- Week 15: at Texans
- Week 16: vs. 49ers
- Week 17: at Browns
- Week 18: at Jets
A 2-2 record is very realistic for Miami. While they’ll likely beat the Texans, their trip to Cleveland and New York could be trouble. Historically, the Dolphins struggle in cold weather, losing 12 straight games when temperatures dip below 40 degrees. That’s worth keeping an eye on for those late-season road games.
4. Colts Need to Go 2-2
Indianapolis can’t finish with more than eight wins, so the Bengals need the Colts to stumble in at least two of their final four games:
- Week 15: at Broncos
- Week 16: vs. Titans
- Week 17: at Giants
- Week 18: vs. Jaguars
This might be the toughest part of the Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff path. The Colts are favored in their final three games, making upsets crucial. Titans fans might need to play the spoiler role in Week 16, while the Jaguars could pull off a shocker in Week 18. If the Giants stay in the playoff hunt, that Week 17 matchup could also work in Cincinnati’s favor.
Bonus: The Crazy Fifth Seed Scenario
Want an even wilder path to the playoffs? The Bengals can still land the fifth seed in the AFC, but here’s what would need to happen:
- Bengals win out to finish 9-8.
- Chargers lose out to finish 8-9.
- Ravens lose out to finish 8-9.
- Broncos go 1-3, but their lone win must come against the Chargers in Week 16.
- Colts go 2-2 or worse, but one of their wins must be against the Broncos.
- Dolphins go 2-2 or worse, finishing 8-9 or worse.
So you're telling me there's a chance pic.twitter.com/uZ3nRd6DWV
— WINCINNATI (@WINCINNATI_) December 4, 2024
If all of this happens, the Bengals would sneak into the fifth seed. The chances are slim, but it’s not impossible.
The Bottom Line
The Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff fate could be sealed as early as Week 15. A loss to the Titans combined with a Broncos win over the Colts would eliminate Cincinnati from contention. But as long as the Bengals keep winning and get a little help from the football gods, Joe Burrow and company could still make some postseason noise. For now, Bengals fans should keep the faith and take it one week at a time. After all, stranger things have happened in the NFL!
Also Read: Cincinnati Bengals Are Working Out Former 1,000-Yard Rusher & Super Bowl Champion RB
