The Cincinnati Bengals escaped Pittsburgh last night with a 19-17 victory to keep their NFL Playoff hopes alive. Cincinnati had no margin of error entering the divisional matchup and notched the critical victory. Even though the Cincinnati Bengals won the game, their postseason appearance is far from a guarantee.
For them to qualify for the playoffs, two things must happen. The Dolphins must lose on the road to the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos must fall to a Kansas City Chiefs resting many of their key players including Quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Cincinnati only has an 11% chance to make the NFL Playoffs. Will the Cincinnati Bengals be able to sneak into the postseason this year?
Cincinnati Bengals Season Summary
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Cincinnati(9-8) has their playoff chances in rough shape due to a slow start to the regular season. They started the year 4-8 and needed five straight wins to give themselves a shot at the postseason. The Bengals have been led by one of the league’s best offenses this season. They are eighth in the league in yards per game and sixth in points scored. Their offense has been led by Quarterback Joe Burrow who had an MVP-caliber regular season. He is leading the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns while being third in QBR.
Wide Receiver Ja’Marr Chase is also on the precipice of history as he is in prime position to win the receiving triple crown. He leads the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Cincinnati’s defense has been the weakness of their team this season.
They are 23rd in yards allowed and 27th in points allowed. Their defense has played better over the team’s five-game winning streak but has still been a poor unit this year. Cincinnati’s defense has surrendered fewer than 19 points per game over the winning streak. Defensive End Trey Hendrickson is putting together a great Defensive Player of the Year candidacy. He leads the league in sacks by 3.5.
Final Thoughts
The Cincinnati Bengals are forced to wait out their playoff fate until late in the day. Their postseason chances rely on Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets defeating the Miami Dolphins and the Carson Wentz-led Chiefs defeating the Denver Broncos. Cincinnati’s playoff chances are in trouble due to a slow start this season, but at least they still have a chance heading into the final day of the regular season.
