NFL Standings: Can The Cincinnati Bengals Make The Playoffs?

The Cincinnati Bengals have had yet another fairly good season, however how can they get themselves into the AFC Playoffs following Week 17?

More from Cincinnati Bengals

There was a time in 2014 where the Cincinnati Bengals were considered maybe the best overall team in all of the NFL. Throughout the season they have had their struggles, especially quarterback Andy Dalton, but heading into Week 17 next week, they are owners of a 9-4-1 overall record and are on the cusp of making the postseason.

However, to get into the AFC Playoffs, the Bengals need some things to happen; some things that are completely possible.

So, how can head coach Marvin Lewis and the Bengals get themselves into the mix for the Super Bowl?

Well to start, they can clinch a spot in the AFC Playoffs with a win over the Denver Broncos in the Week 16 edition of Monday Night Football. With the Broncos already having clinched their postseason fate, there is a good chance that they might not be going full force and the Bengals will have an opportunity to take advantage of that and earn their way in.

Should this not happen on Monday, Cincinnati is not completely out of it. Next Sunday night they will face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers with the AFC North title on the line. A win in that one would also put them right in. Even if this does not happen either, losses by both the Chargers and Ravens would also put them in.

Now to take things a step further, if the Bengals defeat both the Broncos and the Steelers, and the Broncos drop the final game of the season to the Raiders next weekend, then not only would they be in, but they would get a first-round bye.

What do you think? Will the Bengals make the postseason? Let us know in the comments below.

More from FanSided

Home/Cincinnati Bengals