The Bengals star duo of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase continue to shine as they have for most of the season. Despite the efforts by them the Bengals have less than a 10% chance to make the post-season and have left their fate in the hands of multiple other teams. The team lost 4 of their first 5 games in 2024 setting them on a disastrous path and though they seem to have righted the ship now time is working against them.
Cincinnati has their eyes set on the AFC’s 7th seed but can’t just beat the Steelers for that to happen. The Bengals need a little help from both the Chiefs and the Jets. Not something you want when teams like the Chiefs are likely to rest a few players after already clinching 1st seed in the AFC and a 1st round Bye. The Jets on the other hand continue to struggle after getting routed in week 17 40-14 by the Bills and look confused out on the field.
Scenarios for the final AFC Playoff spot:
— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2024
🐎Broncos (vs. KC): Win or DEN + CIN loss
🐬Dolphins (vs. NYJ): Win + DEN loss
🐅Bengals (vs. PIT): Win + DEN loss + MIA loss pic.twitter.com/9tPJ9znuDu
The Bengals were a favorite coming into the season to make the playoffs but have been streaky at best. They are currently riding a 4-game win streak, but it may have come too late as some tight games that resulted in losses could keep them on the outside looking in this playoff season. Their defense has struggled heavily sitting in the bottom 5 in total defense and 31 of 32 in redzone defense.
Burrow, Chase have tried everything they can to keep the team in close games alongside the likes of Chase Brown and Tee Higgins. Unfortunately, even with Burrow leading all QBs in passing yards and Chase leading all receivers in receiving yards it likely won’t be enough.
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.@danorlovsky7 on how we should view Joe Burrow's season:
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 30, 2024
"No one is throwing the football better than Joe Burrow. ... This is the best offense in the NFL. ... This is one of the great quarterbacking seasons in the history of the NFL." pic.twitter.com/Xbw50NwNOo
It begs the question what changes must be made this offseason? Will it be changing out some defensive guys, a new defensive coordinator, or a bigger overhaul? Let’s not forget Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are still looking to get paid and it’s going to take A LOT of money to keep them both. Cincinnati’s future is a bit murky and could see some big changes coming.
