The Cincinnati have gone one-and-done in the playoffs for an infuriating four years in a row, but with this season’s success, a playoff win is looking more and more achievable.
But after a crazy start to the season in which only the Bengals, Broncos and Patriots looked like solid playoff contenders, the field is finally evening out. Teams like the Chiefs, Jets, Steelers and Texans are thriving and look primed to pose a threat in the playoffs.
Even if Cincinnati ends up keeping on trajectory and earning a first-round playoff bye, the Bengals would still face a daunting task in facing a good team with a playoff win under its belt.