Cincy Jungle
Didn’t get all the help they wanted, but some they needed.
Despite a 4-6 start that feels like an utter disaster, the Cincinnati Bengals are still very much alive for a playoff spot as of now. Week 10 was a chance for the rest of the NFL to help the Bengals out in that regard, but only some of the scenarios played out.
Perhaps the most important one of Week 10 had Bengals fans rooting hard for the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos. Despite getting in to field goal range for what would have been a game tying field goal, Kansas City blocked Denver’s attempt, helping the Bengals in the process. Denver is ahead of the Bengals for what would be the final playoff spot, so them losing works in the Bengals’ favor.
The Buffalo Bills knocking off the Indianapolis Colts was helpful as well. It drops the Colts to 4-6, just like the Bengals and didn’t allow them to pick up another AFC victory as the Bengals set their sites on making a run.
The Tennessee Titans weren’t able to knock off the Los Angeles Chargers, which would have helped the Bengals, but Cincinnati will have their shot on LA this coming week.
The New York Jets dropped an out-of-conference game to the Arizona Cardinals, keeping them behind the Bengals and likely out of the picture moving forward. The fewer teams in the mix, the better for the Bengals.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (9-0)
2. Buffalo Bills (8-2)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2)
4. Houston Texans (6-4)
5. Baltimore Ravens (7-3)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (6-3)
7. Denver Broncos (5-5)
8. Indianapolis Colts (4-6)
9. Cincinnati Bengals (4-6)
10. Miami Dolphins (3-6)
11. New York Jets (3-7)
12. New England Patriots (3-7)
That seventh and final playoff spot will likely go to either Denver, Indianapolis, or, hopefully, the Bengals.
