The Cincinnati Bengals Must Do These Things in Order to Make the Postseason

For the Cincinnati Bengals to reach the postseason, here’s the situation and what needs to happen:

1. Win their final three games:
   • Host the Browns
   • Host the Broncos
   • At the Steelers (on the road)

   If they win all three, they’ll finish the season at 9-8, marking their fourth-straight winning season.

2. Get help from other teams:
   • Miami must lose one of their final three games:
     • Against the 49ers
     • Against the Browns
     • Against the Jets
   • Indianapolis must lose one of their final three games:
     • Against the Titans
     • Against the Giants
     • Against the Jaguars
3. Chargers or Broncos must also falter:
   • Chargers or Broncos need to post an 0-3 record down the stretch.
     • If the Bengals beat the Broncos and the Chargers defeat the Broncos, Cincinnati will have a pivotal game next week against Denver.
     • If the Chargers lose to the Broncos, Cincinnati will rely on Los Angeles losing their final two games against the Patriots and Raiders, which looks less likely.
     • The most probable scenario is the Chargers beating the Broncos. Then the Bengals have a chance to force Denver into a “win or go home” Week 18 game against the Chiefs.

Cincinnati still has some work to do, but their playoff hopes are alive, contingent on winning out and a few other teams losing in key games.