Can Cincinnati Bengals still make the playoffs? Where Zac Taylor and Co. stand ahead of clash vs Broncos

The Cincinnati Bengals have endured a frustrating 2024 regular season. Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase are having all-time great quarterback and wide receiver seasons, but the Bengals enter Week 17 with a losing record.

Let's take a look at Cincinnati's playoff chances ahead of its must-win game against the Sean Payton-coached Denver Broncos.

Can Cincinnati Bengals still make the playoffs?

What do the Cincinnati Bengals need to make the playoffs?

The Cincinnati Bengals are 7-8 and third in the AFC North. They must win their remaining games and hope that other fixtures turn in their favor to have a shot at making the playoffs.

The Sportskeeda Playoff Predictor has the Bengals losing their remaining regular season games and finishing with a 7-10 record. Joe Burrow and Co. will miss out on the playoffs for the second straight season. Their only consolation will be the middle-of-the-pack pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Cincinnati Bengals playoff chances in Week 17

The Cincinnati Bengals are in the playoff picture heading into Week 17. They'll need to win their remaining two games and hope that the Denver Broncos lose their last two fixtures and the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts lose one game each.

While such a turn of fortunes would be difficult to achieve, there's still a chance, and the Bengals' last two games will feel like Super Bowl games. Furthermore, Ja'Marr Chase is chasing the ultra-rare WR Triple Crown, so there's even more motivation for Joe Burrow to leave it all out on the field.

Cincinnati Bengals face-off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18

The Cincinnati Bengals will end their regular season by facing the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18. The Steelers have already secured a wildcard spot, so there's less motivation to go all out against a Bengals team desperate for a win.

However, the game might be pointless if the Bengals lose to Denver. The Broncos are also chasing the playoffs as they are third in the AFC West behind the Kansas City Chiefs and LA Chargers. They'll need to win at least one of their remaining games to punch a ticket to the postseason.

Bengals fans will be watching a lot of football this week. They'll have their eyes on the Dolphins and Colts. If they both win their remaining two games, it won't matter how the Bengals perform. They'll still miss out on the playoffs.