Are the Bengals out of the playoffs? Exploring Week 16 scenarios for Joe Burrow's Cincinnati

Big things were expected from the Cincinnati Bengals this season, but after 15 weeks, they are still languishing outside the AFC playoff picture. With quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, Cincy's offense has been outstanding, but the defense has continuously collapsed in the closing minutes of games.

The Bengals knew they couldn't win their division again, even if they win out, going into their matchup with the Tennessee Titans in Week 15 with a 5-8 record and third place in the AFC North.

However, with their 37-27 win over Tennessee on Sunday, the Bengals still have a slim chance of qualifying for the AFC playoff by taking one of the three wildcard spots.

The Bengals advanced to the postseason in 2021 and 2022, including a trip to Super Bowl LVI, but if they face elimination this year, Cincinnati would go two years without postseason football.

Some Bengals fans are still hoping the team will sneak into the playoffs. Although it is still feasible, the team's road is a little more complex.

Bengals playoff scenarios after going 6-8

In order to qualify for the postseason, the Cincinnati Bengals would need to win their final three regular season games and expect other teams to experience poor finishes. That is quite unlikely, yet it is not impossible.

The Bengals’ hopes would get a boost if the Denver Broncos, who currently sit at No. 6 in the AFC, lose on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, and then lose again to the Kansas City Chiefs in the final week. Either this or for the Chargers, who are seventh, to lose out would help the Bengals' faint playoff hopes.

In addition, Cincinnati needs the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins to drop at least one more game after both sides lost in Week 15.

In Week 16, the Bengals will take on the Cleveland Browns, who are 3-11, in an attempt to raise their record to 7-8. When the team plays the Denver Broncos in Week 17, its postseason prospects could become even more apparent.

The Bengals are scheduled to face another divisional rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18. The Steelers might rest their players and give the Bengals an easier task since they are already guaranteed a postseason berth.