The Bengals’ playoff hopes took a major blow on Wednesday, even though they didn’t play a snap. Crazy, right? It’s one of those football domino effects that only make sense in the twisted logic of the NFL. Here’s the deal: the Kansas City Chiefs stomped the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10, clinching the top seed in the AFC and throwing a wrench into Cincinnati’s already complicated postseason path.
So, why does this matter? Let’s break it down.
The Chiefs’ Win: A Ripple Effect
Kansas City’s victory over Pittsburgh wasn’t just another notch in their win column—it locked them in as the AFC’s No. 1 seed. This means they’re guaranteed home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and a bye week to boot. Sounds great if you’re a Chiefs fan. If you’re rooting for the Bengals? Not so much.
The Bengals need more than their own wins to make the playoffs. They’re chasing an AFC Wild Card spot, but that dream hinges on two things:
- Beating the Broncos this week and the Steelers in Week 18.
- Other teams—like Denver—taking some strategic losses.
With the Chiefs having nothing to gain in Week 18, they’re now far more likely to rest their starters against Denver. That’s right—no Patrick Mahomes, no Chris Jones, no Travis Kelce. Without those heavy hitters, the Broncos’ chances of pulling off a win skyrocket, which is bad news for Cincinnati.
A Complicated Playoff Picture
Let’s do some NFL math (don’t worry, it’s easier than your high school algebra). For the Bengals to sneak into the playoffs:
- They need to win out against Denver and Pittsburgh.
- Denver must lose to Kansas City in Week 18.
- Either the Dolphins or Colts need to drop one of their last two games.
Now that the Chiefs are likely to rest key players, Denver’s Week 18 loss isn’t looking as certain as Bengals fans would like. And let’s not even get started on the Dolphins, who have been red-hot, or the Colts, who look like a freight train of doom.
Can Cincinnati Still Make It?
Technically, yes. The Bengals are still in control of their destiny—kind of. If they can handle the Broncos this Saturday and follow it up with a victory over the Steelers in Week 18, they’ll at least be alive in the playoff race.
But that’s the thing with “must-win” games—they don’t exist in a vacuum. Cincinnati can’t just worry about their own scoreboard; they’ll be scoreboard-watching every other relevant game like it’s their second job.
The Chiefs’ Move to Rest Starters
Here’s the kicker: Kansas City’s decision to rest starters is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s a smart move for them—they’ve earned the luxury of prioritizing health over wins in Week 18. On the other hand, it adds a layer of unpredictability for the Bengals.
Could the Chiefs’ backups still beat Denver? Sure, stranger things have happened. But let’s not pretend it’s likely. Mahomes’ magic and Jones’ dominance can’t exactly be replicated by the practice squad.
Why Bengals Fans Shouldn’t Give Up Yet
Okay, deep breaths. All hope is not lost. Cincinnati has proven they can hang with tough teams, and winning out is within the realm of possibility. Joe Burrow has been on a tear, and the defense has shown flashes of brilliance.
But the real test comes this Saturday against Denver. Lose that game, and the Bengals’ playoff hopes will vanish faster than a bag of chips at a tailgate. Win, and they keep the dream alive—barely.
This isn’t the first time the Bengals have been in a tight spot, and it won’t be the last. The Chiefs’ win may have tilted the odds against them, but the NFL is nothing if not unpredictable.
For now, Bengals fans should focus on rooting for their team to handle business this Saturday. Everything else? It’s out of their hands.
And isn’t that the most frustrating part?
P.S. Let’s hope Mahomes decides to play Week 18 just for fun. A guy can dream, right?
