How the Bengals can make the playoffs

What is the best path to the playoffs for Cincinnati?

No, the Cincinnati Bengals are not out of it yet. You need two things to win late in the season. One is a good quarterback, and the Bengals have one of the best in Joe Burrow. The other is a good defense, and, well, we’re not going to talk about that.

The Bengals aren’t going to win the AFC North, but they have the potential to unseat either of the AFC North teams who are currently projected to make the dance. They could also take the place of either of the AFC West teams who are in position for a wild card berth.

The Bengals could win as many as 10 games this regular season, while tiebreakers could allow them to make it over other 10-win team, the coach in me hates thinking about those scenarios. I prefer to look at how they can get there without having to worry about all that nonsense, so the scenarios below will focus on other teams winning only 9 games.

First let’s talk about the three things need to happen in order for any of these scenarios to work.

1. The Bengals win out

Remaining Schedule:

Week 13 vs Steelers
Week 14 at Cowboys
Week 15 at Titans
Week 16 vs Browns
Week 17 vs Broncos
Week 18 at Steelers

It’s not crazy to think. The hardest part would be sweeping the Steelers. The Broncos, who are also in the playoff race, will not be an easy out either.

2. Miami Dolphins lose at least two games

Remaining Schedule:

Week 13 at Packers
Week 14 vs Jets
Week 15 at Texans
Week 16 vs 49ers
Week 17 at Browns
Week 18 at Jets

The Packers and Texans games seem like the most likely losses. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel could also fall to his former boss in San Francisco, or maybe the Browns could do Cincy a solid. The Jets aren’t good, but it isn’t easy to sweep anyone.

This could definitely come to fruition.

3. Indianapolis Colts Lose at least one game

Remaining Schedule:

Week 13 at Patriots
Week 15 at Broncos
Week 16 vs Titans
Week 17 at Giants
Week 18 at Jaguars

This schedule isn’t too tough, but they only need to blow one game. As was mentioned above, the Broncos are on a playoff run, so that game could be the one. If not, maybe Brian Callahan’s Titans could help out with another upset. Maybe the Patriots or the Giants surprise us.

If these three things still happen, the Bengals could still be the 8th-ranked team in the AFC and thus head home early. They will need a little more help.

Here is what their contenders need to do to blow their playoff hopes and open the door for the Bengals.