AFC playoff contender gets massive injury update

The two-time Pro Bowler suffered the injury during the team's win over the win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15, a game where he played a season-low 71% of Cincinnati's offensive snaps. Chase also tied his season-low of four targets from Week 14, hauling in all four looks for 64 scoreless yards.

The 23-year-old is considered by most to be a top-five wideout in the league and leads the Bengals by a wide margin in targets (132), receptions (93) and receiving yards (more than double any other player at 1,156). Chase also paces the group in touchdown receptions (seven) and his absence will put that much more pressure on undrafted 27-year-old quarterback Jake Browning, who has helped the team to a 3-1 record since taking over as the starter in Week 12.

Browning went under center in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens after Pro Bowl signal-caller Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury and has surprised many with his seven touchdown passes vs. only three interceptions. The University of Washington product went 19-for-26 for 227 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers during his first NFL start in Week 12.

The AFC playoff picture is significantly crowded, with seven teams sporting either 8-6 or 7-7 records. Those seven teams are likely fighting for just three postseason berths, however, as the Ravens (11-3) have already clinched a tournament spot and the Miami Dolphins (10-4), Kansas City Chiefs (9-5) and Cleveland Browns (9-5) will likely make the field.

Per NFL.com's playoff picture, the Dolphins currently have a 99% chance of making the playoffs, while the Chiefs are at 98% and the Browns are at 90%. The AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6) have a 70% chance to make the postseason and with a win, that figure would jump to 89%.

Saturday's game without Chase, in Pittsburgh, will be massive for both teams' playoff hopes. The Bengals (8-6) currently have a 45% chance to make the postseason and that probability would fall to 20% with a loss but increase to 65% with a victory. The Steelers (7-7) are currently at 6% and would go down to less than 1% with a loss but jump to 12% with a win.

Fans in Cincinnati will also likely be keeping an eye on Saturday night's game between the Buffalo Bills (8-6) and Los Angeles Chargers (5-9), in hopes of a Chargers upset. 

For Sunday's action, the Bengals will be rooting for the Atlanta Falcons (6-8) to knock off the Indianapolis Colts (8-6) and the New England Patriots (3-11) to shock the Denver Broncos (7-7), while the matchup between the Browns (9-5) and Houston Texans (8-6) also looms large.