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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Could former player's bold Bengals prediction actually come true?

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Nov 25, 2025 5:14 PM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals have had a disappointing season so far, but they might get a pick-me-up heading into their Thanksgiving night game against the Baltimore Ravens.

While nothing has been confirmed yet, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said on Monday that he expects quarterback Joe Burrow to return from his turf toe injury, which has sidelined him for the last nine games. This would be a significant boost for a team with a 3-8 record and facing an uphill battle to make the playoffs with six games remaining.

Although the road ahead is challenging for the Bengals, ESPN NFL analyst and former player Chris Canty still sees a path to the playoffs.

Chris Canty believes Bengals have a legitimate opportunity to make the playoffs

"I absolutely think it's possible for Cincinnati to be able to get this done," Canty said. "When you look at Baltimore's remaining schedule, for them to be able to go .500 would be a blessing. Every team they play not named Cincinnati is over .500. That includes dates with the Patriots and the Green Bay Packers. When you look at the Pittsburgh Steelers, they're on quarterback No. 2 with Mason Rudolph and I'm not conceding the division to them. So, yeah, the Cincinnati Bengals absolutely have an opportunity to get into the playoffs by winning the AFC North."

"The Cincinnati Bengals absolutely have an opportunity to get into the playoffs by winning the AFC North."@ChrisCanty99 weighs in on the Bengals and their remaining schedule pic.twitter.com/5LU3OV9at1
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 25, 2025

To make matters worse for Cincinnati, wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) and defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip) are out on Thursday night, adding to the injury problems for a Bengals team that has already dealt with plenty this season.

However, Cincinnati remains three games behind the division leader after Week 12, with two of its last six games against the AFC North-leading Ravens. ESPN analytics estimates only a 32% chance for the Bengals to win Thursday night's game, but with the Ravens facing the Steelers twice, there will be significant movement within the division in the coming weeks.

It certainly seems that Burrow will be back under center, as well, after People Magazine shared a Monday Instagram post from the QB with the caption, "He's back," further fueling speculation that he will make his long-awaited return this week.

A favorable schedule lies ahead for Bengals

Apart from the two games against the Ravens in the next three weeks, the Bengals will travel to face the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, with home games against the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns to close out the regular season. Aside from Baltimore (6-5) and Buffalo (7-4), Cincinnati's final three opponents are all below .500.

That does not guarantee anything, especially with a defense that allows the most points in the league (32.7 PPG). That said, they just recorded a pick-six against Drake Maye and the Patriots, so there are at least some signs that Cincinnati's defense can make plays when necessary.

For the Bengals to actually pull this off and erase the three-game deficit in the division, a lot has to go their way. That all starts with the potential return of Burrow and a huge clash with the Ravens on Thanksgiving.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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