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The Cincinnati Bengals kept their hopes of making it to the NFL Playoffs alive on Saturday night. They needed a victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers to avoid being mathematically eliminated from postseason contention and took care of business with a tight 19-17 win.
While they will still need some help during Sunday's slate of games to reach the playoffs, coach Zac Taylor expressed confidence in his team, saying post-game:
"We're capable of anything. They're not going to want us in this tournament. I promise you."
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After being 4-8 during the season, the Bengals have turned their season around, winning their last five games. Quarterback Joe Burrow leads the NFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns, while Ja'Marr Chase is on the verge of winning the receiving triple crown this year.
The Bengals have caught fire at the right team, and the fact that seven of their eight losses this season have been by a touchdown or less, they could be a dangerous team in the playoffs.
Cincinnati Bengals' Week 18 playoff scenarios
If the Cincinnati Bengals are to appear in the NFL Playoffs this season, they need the Denver Broncos to lose against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins to lose against the New York Jets.
The battle between the three teams will be for the final Wild Card spot in the AFC, giving them the seventh-seed and a take on the Buffalo Bills in the first round at the Highmark Stadium.
The Broncos are in the driver's seat, with a victory clinching a playoff berth for them, but a loss will open the door for the Dolphins or Bengals to barge in.
Unfortunately for Cincinnati, a win by either of the two teams will knock them out. If both results go their way, they will face off against the Bills, who they beat in their most recent head-to-head playoff matchup en route a Super Bowl appearance.
That likely contributes to why Zac Taylor issued his warning to the rest of the playoff field.
Bengals Nation! Check out the latest Cincinnati Bengals Schedule and dive into the Bengals Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.
