NFL Hot Seat: 5 coaches who must win in Week 11

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Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis reacts in the second quarter against the Washington Redskins during game 17 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

3. player. 56. . . Cincinnati Bengals. Marvin Lewis

One of the biggest mysteries in the NFL is how Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis still has a job. Sure, the Bengals are almost always in the middle of the playoff race, but with a 0-7 all-time record in the playoffs, Lewis can’t afford another ugly season.

The Bengals haven’t gotten off to the best start this year, going just 3-5-1 heading into Week 11, good enough for third in the AFC North ahead of only the lowly Browns. This is a team with some legitimate talent that includes players like Andy Dalton, A.J. Green and Geno Atkins, but that talent simply hasn’t come together.

Sunday’s contest against the Buffalo Bills could have a major impact on the course of the season for Cincinnati. If the Bengals fall and go 3-6-1, it’s going to be extremely difficult for them to make the playoffs, especially with two games left to play against the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens.

Lewis has been able to keep his job since 2003, but if the Bengals miss the playoffs, the front office is going to have to finally let its head coach go.

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