5 NFL longshots who could actually make the playoffs

1. Cincinnati Bengals — Playoff Chances: 44 percent

This one feels like cheating, but right now the Cincinnati Bengals have a less than 50-50 chance to make the playoffs according to this analysis. We don't trust those numbers. Right now, the Bengals are in a playoff spot. They are the seventh seed in the AFC. Sure, the Baltimore Ravens have built a 1.5-game lead in the AFC North, but the Bengals have a few avenues to make the postseason.

The Bengals are playing their best football right now. They beat up on the Bills last weekend despite getting a small output from Ja'Marr Chase. They showed taking out their best weapon can't stop them anymore. The early-season injury for Joe Burrow doesn't seem to be an issue anymore. He's been great since the bye week and once again looks like the second-best quarterback in the NFL.

The real reason the Bengals deserve better odds. Look at the teams sitting in a playoff spot ahead of the Bengals. The Matt Canada-led offense of the Pittsburgh Steelers and The Deshaun Watson-led offense of the Cleveland Browns. There are a few opportunities here. They play the Steelers twice still this season, and they are massive favorites in both games. They also have a game against the Browns on the schedule at the end of the season, but those odds aren't out yet.

The Bengals have everything going for them in terms of a playoff route. It would floor most analysts if they missed. The numbers seem off there, and any bettor will tell you to jump on the numbers that seem a little off.