Some moving parts.
The Cincinnati Bengals got some help in their quest for the playoffs in Week 17. After winning the overtime thriller against the Denver Broncos, the New York Giants upset the Indianapolis Colts, who the Bengals needed to lose a game in the final two weeks.
The Cleveland Browns did not help their cause, losing to the Miami Dolphins, another team the Bengals need to drop a game.
There is still a scenario where the Bengals can make the postseason, however.
What needs to happen
First and foremost, the Bengals need to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will likely play all of their starters in Week 18 to try to secure the 3rd seed in the playoffs by winning the division if Baltimore loses to Cleveland. There is no making the postseason if the Bengals can’t leave Pittsburgh with a win.
The Dolphins will need to lose to the reeling New York Jets, which could happen. The game will be played at Metlife Stadium, and Miami has struggled in colder temperatures. If the Jets can beat Miami, the Bengals’ hopes would still be alive.
The last thing to happen may be the most difficult. Cincinnati needs the Kansas City Chiefs to beat the Broncos in Denver.
Normally, the Chiefs don’t have many issues with the Broncos, but reports are that Kansas City will be resting Patrick Mahomes and many other starters, as they have already secured the top seed in the playoffs. The Bengals’ playoff hopes could very well be placed on the shoulders of Carson Wentz.
Some moving parts, but there is still a fairly realistic path for the Bengals to sneak in as the 7th seed and potentially make some noise.
