What needs to happen for the Bengals to make the NFL Playoffs

There’s a pulse. The Cincinnati Bengals are still alive for the NFL Playoffs.

The Bengals have a 24% chance of making the playoffs if they win their next two games. That means the Bengals need help and a lot of it.

In addition to winning out, the Bengals need the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins to each lose one of their next two remaining games, respectively.

The Bengals also need the Denver Broncos, their Week 17 home opponent, to lose in Week 18 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Bengals host Denver on Saturday and are at the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18. They need to win both of those games.

The Colts are at the New York Giants next Sunday, and they host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18. Those teams are currently a combined 5-25.

The Dolphins are at the Cleveland Browns next Sunday, and they are at the New York Jets in Week 18. Those two teams are a combined 7-23.

The outlook is not favorable, but there is hope. There’s especially hope with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.

Meaningful football is being played in December in Cincinnati in Week 17. That’s a good thing, especially considering how frustrating and mentally draining this season has been at times.