The Cincinnati Bengals know now what it will take in Week 18 to reach the playoffs. They also know what their path through the playoffs would look like, at least to start, if they happen to reach the dance.
If Cincinnati can reach the playoffs — they need a win plus losses by the Broncos and Dolphins — they’ll be off to Buffalo for Wild Card Weekend and a date with Josh Allen and the Bills.
Two years ago, Joe Burrow and company went into Buffalo for the AFC Divisional and knocked off the No. 2 seed Bills, 27-10, to reach the AFC Championship Game.
Should the Bengals pull the upset there, it’s off to see their old friend Patrick Mahomes in the AFC Divisional. The Bengals and Chiefs met in the AFC Championship Games in the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Burrow took the first meeting, winning in overtime to reach Super Bowl LVI while Mahomes got revenge the following year en route to winning Super Bowl LVII.
If the Bengals get through that gauntlet, which would give them a seven-game winning streak, they could potentially face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens for the AFC Championship. Meaning Cincinnati’s playoff path would include the reigning MVP, the likely favorite for this year’s MVP and Patrick Mahomes.
One step at a time. Before facing those quarterbacks, they have to beat Russell Wilson and the Steelers. And likely hope Carson Wentz can lead the Chiefs over the Broncos and Aaron Rodgers knocks outs the Dolphins.
