Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow Phil Didion/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Bengals vs. Bills matchup could be an epic fight between two superheroes

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Dec 5, 2025 10:44 AM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals are a team that can somehow still make it into the playoffs.

Sitting at 4-8 and with a four percent chance of making the playoffs, the Bengals have a chance to make the dance, but face the 8-4 Buffalo Bills in Week 14, who can slash their chances by half ( two percent).

Since getting their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow, back from a foot injury, the Bengals will need to rely on him to help win every game they can to keep their playoff hopes alive. Facing Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who is widely known as “Superman,” Sunday’s matchup could become a tale of two great superhero franchises, with Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase dubbing Burrow “Captain America.”

"I don't think Joe is the underdog. I think they're looking at the whole team as the underdog in the situation," receiver Ja'Marr Chase said Thursday to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "Joe's just doing what Captain America do, save us the day. You know what I'm saying? That's what we need him to do as a quarterback, as a leader of the offense, of the whole team. We need him to step up and be that guy."

Joe Burrow is the Bengals' only hope to keep their playoff hopes alive

Before getting injured, Burrow appeared in two games, where he threw for 189 yards (21-36) and two touchdowns and no interceptions. Returning on Thanksgiving night in the Bengals divisional matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, who had won five straight up till that point, Burrow led them to victory (32-14), and threw for 261 yards (24-46) with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Bills are coming off a commanding victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6), whose loss benefits the Bengals. Burrow may have a tough time getting the passing game going, as the Bills are the best team in the NFL (163.2 yards) when facing the pass and allowed 117 yards passing against the Steelers. The Bills also have 27 sacks on the season.

If “Captain America” and the Bengals somehow can eke out a win against “Superman” and the Bills, then the pathway to the playoffs becomes a little easier.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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