Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor walks on the sideline during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. David Dermer-USA TODAY Sports

Head coach Zac Taylor shares message to Bengals after bye

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 11/15/22

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor believes his team is in a great spot coming out of their bye week. He shared his message for the team with the second half of the season ahead.

"We’ve just got to take it one game at a time, and we really control our own destiny," Taylor told reporters. "We get an opportunity to play all of the teams that are in the mix, and if we take care of business, then we’re going to be in great shape."

Five of Cincinnati's final eight opponents are currently in the AFC playoff picture. The Bengals face Tampa Bay who would be in the NFC playoff picture if the postseason were to start today as well.

5 of the Bengals next 7 opponents are in the AFC playoff picture.

If we’re actually good, we’ll find out soon enough.
— Drew Garrison (@DrewGarrison) November 14, 2022

Although Cincinnati (5-4) is currently sitting on the outside looking in, they have a 62.2% chance to make the playoffs. It's a much better spot than they were in this time last year when the their chances were at just 34.9%.

The Bengals have a 62.2% chance of making the playoffs, according to ESPN Analytics.

Cincinnati's chances were at 34.9% through Week 10 of last year.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) November 14, 2022

The road ahead will be a true test for the Bengals to see where they fall among the NFL's best. But next up is the Steelers, which got the best of Cincinnati in Week 1.

"The only big game we've got is at Pittsburgh. The weather starts to turn a little bit. Our guys embrace that as an AFC North team," Taylor added.

More must-reads: