After an emotional overtime win over the Denver Broncos in Week 17 and a gritty win in Pittsburgh in Week 18, the Bengals remain alive in the AFC Playoff Picture. Cincinnati has a clear path to the postseason:
Bengals defeat Denver Broncos in Week 17Indianapolis Colts lose one of their final two gamesBengals defeat Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18- Miami Dolphins lose to the New York Jets in Week 18 (4:25 p.m. on FOX)
- Denver Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18 (4:25 p.m. on CBS)
The Bengals' road to the playoffs began Saturday with a 19-17 win against the Steelers in Pittsburgh in Week 18. Now, they have to wait to see the results of Sunday.
"I know that if we can get in we can make some noise," quarterback Joe Burrow said after the Week 18 victory. "The odds are long, but we have a shot."
Cincinnati needs the Denver Broncos to lose to the 15-1 Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City is coming off a 29-10 thrashing of the Steelers and clinched the number one seed in the AFC.
Entering Week 17, the Bengals also needed the Indianapolis Colts and the Miami Dolphins to each lose one of their last two games.
The Colts fell to the New York Giants in Week 17 45-33 and were eliminated from playoff contention. The Dolphins defeated the Browns, though, and the Bengals will now need Miami to lose to the New York Jets in Week 18.
If the Bengals do get in, they will be the fourth team in NFL history to make the playoffs after losing at least eight of their first 12 games.
"They are not going to want us in this tournament," head coach Zac Taylor said after Week 18. "I promise you."
