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Where Do The Bengals Sit With Their Chances To Make The Playoffs?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Doug Kezirian | Last updated Nov 27, 2024 10:16 AM ET

The AFC Playoff Picture is beginning to take shape as we enter Week 13 of the NFL season.

A few divisions seem wrapped up with the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs running away with their divisions. The Houston Texans seem to have the AFC South under control, despite some recent underwhelming performances. The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers are battling for the AFC North title with eight wins apiece.

Assuming those five teams hold on and make the playoffs, that leaves two additional Wild Card spots for the AFC. Teams in the running include the Los Angeles Chargers (7-4), Denver Broncos (7-5), Miami Dolphins (5-6), Indianapolis Colts (5-7), and the Cincinnati Bengals (4-7).

The Bengals are coming off a bye and host the Steelers this Sunday in what is likely a must-win. In fact, the rest of the games on the Bengals schedule should be deemed must-wins. Their current odds to make the playoffs are +350 at DraftKings.

Let’s take a look at some key statistics that may help you evaluate who should get those final two spots.

Of those teams listed, the Colts (easiest remaining schedule) and Dolphins (sixth-easiest) have an easy path on paper, while the Broncos (12th-hardest), Bengals (18th) and Chargers (19th) have modest difficulty remaining. Pittsburgh has surpassed expectations this season but a large reason for expected struggles was the back half of their schedule. The Steelers have the eighth-hardest remaining schedule, including games against the Bengals (twice), Philadelphia Eagles, Ravens and Chiefs.

Using the not-so-proven eye test method, I think we can all agree the Bengals have looked far better than their record, while teams like the Broncos may be overachieving as their rookie quarterback Bo Nix has played very well and is in the offensive rookie of the year discussion with Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The playoff odds seem to say the top six spots are all but secured, with the Chargers at -1400 odds despite their Monday Night football loss to the Ravens and the Steelers with -1100 odds. If that remains the case, only one spot would remain to be battled out for the Broncos (-165), Colts (+270), Dolphins (+230), and Bengals (+350).

The Bengals may be worth a flier to make the playoffs. They seem to have the best talent on paper, especially offensively, and they have far more experience winning crucial games.

If you wanted to support the 4-7 Bengals in other ways, you could take over 7.5 wins with -155 juice, Ja’Marr Chase for Offensive Player of the Year (+850) or Joe Burrow for Comeback Player of the Year (-110).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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