In the immortal words of Lloyd Christmas, “So you’re telling me there’s a chance?”
Along with the Chargers, Broncos, and Colts, the Bengals are competing for one of the last two spots in the playoffs. They have their backs against the wall and very little margin of error, but the path is clear.
Here is what each team is facing over the remainder of the season and what they need to do to get to 10 wins and likely a playoff berth.
Cincinnati Bengals
It is pretty simple for the Bengals. The number they are aiming for is 10. Ten wins, and they should get into the playoffs. Currently sitting at 4-6, that means they need to go 6-1 the rest of the way.
Obviously, that makes every game important, but the most important games are this week’s matchup with the Chargers and their December 29th bout with the Broncos. Those games essentially count for two, as it is not just a win for the Bengals but a loss for one of the other teams competing for the final spots in the playoffs.
The Steelers are the best team on the schedule, and guess what? The Bengals play them twice.
Remaining Schedule:
- at Chargers
- Bye
- Steelers
- at Cowboys
- at Titans
- Browns
- Broncos
- at Steelers
Los Angeles Chargers
Oddly, the top-rated team could be the first to go. The Chargers are 6-4 and currently hold the 6th seed, but if they fail to knock off the Bengals this weekend, it could be tough for them to get to 10 wins.
Their next six weeks are difficult. After the Bengals, they have the Ravens at home, then travel to Atlanta and Kansas City before returning home for matchups against the Buccaneers and Broncos.
If they lose to the Ravens, Falcons, and Chiefs, they’ll have to win four of the other five games to get to 10 wins. That six-week stretch is sandwiched with playoff hopefuls on either end in the Bengals and the Broncos. If the Bengals can beat them on the front end, it could easily send the Chargers into a 4-game skid, forcing them to win out to get to ten wins. The Broncos have just as much to play for, and the Buccaneers and Patriots won’t be easy outs either.
This week’s game is huge for both teams.
Chargers Remaining Schedule:
- Bengals
- Ravens
- at Falcons
- at Chiefs
- Buccaneers
- Broncos
- at Patriots
- at Raiders
Denver Broncos
The Broncos sit in the 7th seed at 5-6, but a matchup with the Falcons this week will threaten that. After that, they have the Raiders and Browns before their bye.
If they are in a good position going into their bye week, they will truly control their destiny.
Coming out of the bye week, they play all three of their challengers in successive weeks. They round out their season with the Chiefs at home, but at that point, Kansas City will likely be resting its stars.
Broncos Remaining Schedule:
- Falcons
- at Raiders
- Browns
- Bye
- Colts
- at Chargers
- at Bengals
- Chiefs
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have the same record as the Bengals and an easier remaining schedule than the other contenders, but uncertainty at the quarterback position and poor game management from the sidelines will likely be their downfall.
Their toughest remaining game is against the Lions. They also play the Broncos out of their break.
Sitting at 4-6, losing those two matchups would mean falling short of 10 wins on the season. Traveling to the Patriots could also spell their downfall.
Colts Schedule 4-6
- at Jets
- Lions
- at Patriots
- Bye
- at Broncos
- Titans
- at Giants
- Jaguars
